Crisis in Venezuela: Maduro dismisses dialogue while the opposition seeks negotiation.

The political tension in Venezuela has reached a new peak following the recent presidential elections, where Nicolás Maduro was declared re-elected in a process that the opposition deems fraudulent. In this context, President Maduro has dismissed any possibility of dialogue with the main opposition figure, María Corina Machado, who in turn has proposed a negotiation approach for a democratic transition in the country. Maduro made these statements after appearing before the Supreme Court of Justice (TSJ), in what has been seen as an attempt to legitimize his re-election despite numerous allegations of irregularities. In his speech, the president emphasized that the TSJ is the highest authority in the country and that its decisions must be obeyed as law. Thus, he positions himself as the central figure in a political crisis that has further polarized the nation. For its part, the opposition, through María Corina Machado, has declared that there is a path toward negotiation that would include "guarantees, safe conducts, and incentives for the parties involved." This proposal aims to facilitate a peaceful and effective transition that, according to Machado, is what Venezuela needs at this moment of crisis. However, Maduro has disqualified Machado, calling her a "fugitive from justice" and suggesting that her only negotiation should be with the judicial system. The accusations against Machado and her colleague Edmundo González Urrutia are serious. They are accused of committing crimes ranging from electoral fraud to human rights violations. González Urrutia, who considers himself the true winner of the elections, did not appear before the TSJ, citing vulnerability and lack of due process. His absence has raised questions about the legitimacy of the judicial process and the true intentions of Maduro's regime. Tensions have escalated to an alarming level. Protests erupted immediately after the election results, resulting in dozens of deaths and thousands of arrests. The regime's repression of these demonstrations has been condemned internationally, and human rights organizations have raised their voices about the brutality applied in these circumstances. Maduro, however, has downplayed the criticism, claiming that the disturbances were provoked by the opposition. On the international stage, the recognition of Maduro's victory has been controversial. While the United States and the European Union have called for an independent verification of the results, some countries in the region that have traditionally supported Maduro, such as Brazil and Mexico, have also called for the publication of the electoral records. This highlights a dissonance in regional diplomacy regarding the validity of the electoral process. In his defense, Maduro has insisted on the existence of a massive cyber-attack that allegedly compromised the electoral system, claiming that this justified the lack of transparency in the disclosure of results. However, the assertion that the Carter Center, an international observer, is leaving "through the sad door of lies" reflects the deep skepticism surrounding the current government and its narratives. With the country divided and the opposition attempting to organize, Venezuela's political future remains uncertain. The possibility that Machado and González Urrutia may face arrest is becoming increasingly real, given the climate of repression and the control the regime exerts over judicial institutions. This could lead to an escalation in tensions, with repercussions not only in the political realm but also in social and economic aspects. The role of the international community is crucial at this critical moment. Pressure from allied nations demanding transparency could influence the next steps of both Maduro and the opposition. However, the regime's firmness in dismissing dialogue initiatives suggests that a solution to this crisis may require more than negotiations at the table. Meanwhile, Venezuelans continue to face a humanitarian crisis, with shortages of food and medicine, as well as a massive exodus of citizens seeking better living conditions. Politics intertwines with the daily lives of millions, who anxiously await a change that brings them hope and stability.