Venezuela’s opposition figure Maria Corina Machado emerged from a period of quietness on Thursday, expressing disapproval of the oil agreement inked in Caracas between the U.S. government and Venezuela’s interim president, Delcy Rodriguez. In a video message, Machado empathized with her fellow citizens, acknowledging their emotions of sadness and anger over decisions being made without their consent.
The statement from Machado followed a day where both Trump and Rodriguez declined to outline a timeline for Venezuela’s return to democracy, with Trump commending the Rodriguez administration. While Machado recognized the need for U.S. investment in Venezuela’s oil sector, she emphasized that such deals should wait for the restoration of democracy and the rule of law.
Concerns were raised about the lack of clarity regarding the terms of the agreement, with many Venezuelans expressing discontent. Neither Trump’s statements, Rubio’s social media posts, nor Rodriguez’s speech shed light on how and when the 17 Venezuelan oilfields would be revitalized to extract the 65 billion barrels specified in Trump’s touted “biggest oil deal ever.”
Criticism from Venezuelan Canadians, notably those with expertise in the oil industry, centered on the perceived exploitation of Venezuela’s resources without addressing the issue of political prisoners. The deal’s secretive nature and involvement of questionable intermediaries raised eyebrows within the community.
The agreement’s reception in Venezuela hinted at skepticism among oil companies about its sustainability, with concerns over potential exploitation and lack of focus on human rights issues. Venezuelan opposition figures feared the deal could prolong the current regime’s stay in power, aided by foreign interests.
As oilmen and experts expressed reservations about the deal, the broader Venezuelan population voiced apprehension about potential colonization and the erosion of national sovereignty. The fear of the deal bolstering the dictatorship’s grip and stifling dissent added to existing concerns about the country’s future.