Henrique Capriles: “We want the Government to change, this cannot be a ‘pax agreed’”
CARACAS, Monday, January 20, 2026 — Venezuelan opposition leader Henrique Capriles Radonski signaled a firm stance against superficial political agreements with the current government, stating, “We want the Government to change, this cannot be a agreed pax.” The declaration came as Capriles appeared alongside deputies from the newly formed opposition bench, Libertad, within a parliament largely controlled by Chavista allies.
Opposition Demands Full Freedom, Economic Transparency
The Libertad bloc is pushing for comprehensive democratic reforms and greater economic accountability from the government.
- Capriles and the Libertad bloc reject incremental changes, demanding a fundamental shift in governance.
- The opposition insists full freedom for all political prisoners is a prerequisite for any meaningful transition.
- Concerns are raised about the scope of new energy agreements and the lack of transparency in key economic indicators.
- A call for a $150 monthly bonus for all pensioners is being proposed.
While acknowledging recent prisoner releases as a positive step, Capriles emphasized that genuine change requires the complete liberation of all political prisoners. “Until we talk about personal freedoms and personal freedom is not limited solely to not going to prison, we cannot talk about transition,” he stated. The Libertad parliamentarians, which includes Antonio Ecarri, a former presidential candidate from the Alianza del Lápiz party, aim to open channels toward democracy.
What constitutes a true democratic transition in Venezuela? According to Capriles, it requires not just the absence of imprisonment, but a broader guarantee of personal freedoms and a fundamental restructuring of the political landscape.
Energy Agreements and Economic Concerns
The opposition is also seeking clarity on newly proposed energy agreements, particularly as the United States Government has indicated a stage of stabilization. Capriles stressed the urgent need for reforms to improve the living conditions of Venezuelans. He sharply criticized President in charge Delcy Rodríguez for withholding key economic indicators during her recent report presentation, noting that these figures have remained unpublished since 2024.
“That the projected oil production for the year 2026 is 1,500,000 barrels of oil, plus the VAT collection,” Capriles said. “We propose and request those who are in the decisions in the Miraflores Palace, who are in power, who continue to lead the reins of our economy, that in the shortest term a fair and decent bonus can be approved, it should not be less than $150 for all pensioners in our country.”
The Libertad bloc intends to use its parliamentary seats to challenge the government and advocate for a more democratic and economically viable future for Venezuela.
