Maduro's Second in Command Rejects Reports of Transition in Venezuela: 'There Is No Negotiation Beyond the Constitution'

Venezuela's ruling party second-in-command dismissed the possibility of a negotiated transition from President Nicolás Maduro, insisting that any talks must begin with respect for the country's constitution.

In remarks during the United Socialist Party of Venezuela's (PSUV) weekly press conference, Interior Minister Diosdado Cabello said opposition figures and outside advisers were promoting speculation about a change of government. "They talk about negotiations. Negotiations? Which ones?" he said. "The only negotiation is that they respect this Constitution because there were elections and Maduro won."

Cabello said those pushing for a transition "want to be given what they could not obtain through votes." He described the idea as driven by "advisers who don't know anything," adding that opponents were advancing a narrative targeting Defense Minister Vladimir Padrino López, senior officials Jorge and Delcy Rodríguez, and Maduro himself.

He said any negotiation would require adversaries to "recognize the government of Maduro," acknowledge the constitution, and be prepared "to defend the country."

The national electoral authority declared Maduro the winner of the July 28, 2024 election, although the opposition published tallies showing candidate Edmundo González winning with 65% of the vote. Maduro's self-proclaimed victory has been heavily questioned by the international community since.

Cabello also referenced proposals from Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva to help "de-escalate" tensions and suggestions from Colombian President Gustavo Petro to repeat the 2024 presidential vote. Cabello rejected speculation about timelines for a transition, saying the opposition had repeatedly predicted dates for a change of government. He added that January holidays would proceed normally regardless of political rhetoric.

Cabello said party organizations were continuing efforts to select more than 260,000 community-level committees, a process he said would extend into mid-Novemb, describing the committees as intended to "serve for everything," including elections, territorial defense, and coordination with local structures.

The remarks come amid continued warnings from senior Venezuelan officials of outside interference. In other recent comments , Cabello said military and police forces from other countries had offered support to Venezuela should tensions with the United States escalate. He urged "peoples of the world" to assist the country, saying "all help you can give will be welcome."