Venezuela transition may finally be underway
The gist
Venezuelan opposition leader María Corina Machado returned to Caracas on Oct. 25 after almost a year in exile.
Her return is the first sign analysts agree a democratic transition may have begun.
How it unfolded
- Jan 3, 2026US forces carried out a military operation in Venezuela, seizing President Nicolás Maduro and his wife Cilia Flores; Trump said his administration would "run" Venezuela and its oil assets during a transition.
- Jan 5, 2026Then-Vice President Delcy Rodríguez was sworn in as interim president before the National Assembly.
- Jan 7, 2026Secretary of State Marco Rubio laid out a three-step plan: stabilizing the country, giving US oil companies access during a recovery phase, and overseeing a transition.
Key terms
- National Assembly
- The unicameral federal legislature of Venezuela, elected by universal, direct and secret vote.
- Secretary of State
- The head of the US Department of State who directs foreign affairs, equivalent to a minister of foreign affairs.
- amnesty law
- A law that retroactively exempts a selected group, often military or government leaders, from criminal liability for crimes committed.
Source: Wikipedia