Henrique Capriles Demands Real Government Change, Rejects “Agreed Pax” in New Parliament

Breaking: Venezuelan Opposition Pushes for Real change as Parliament Faces a Quiet Start

Caracas — On Monday, Henrique capriles Radonski led a small bloc of opposition deputies, joined by Antonio Ecarri of the Alianza del Lápiz, in presenting a candid, democracy-focused agenda from a Parliament that is largely aligned with the ruling party. The session highlighted calls for a fundamental shift in governance rather than incremental concessions.

Capriles stated from the floor that the goverment must change, insisting this should not be a pre-set bargain. “We want the government to change; this cannot be a pre-arranged settlement,” he said, stressing that Venezuelans have waited years for a real transition toward democracy.

The opposition argued that initial releases of political prisoners are encouraging, but full freedom is a prerequisite for any credible transition. “Until we address personal freedoms—not merely the absence of imprisonment—we cannot speak of a transition,” Capriles said.

Urgent policy questions were also raised about the scope of new energy agreements in a period of stabilization acknowledged by the United States. Capriles urged swift reforms intended to improve ordinary people’s living conditions, signaling a broader demand for economic transparency and accountability.

Criticism targeted the interim management, with Capriles noting that key economic indicators were not disclosed in a recent report presented by the acting president, Delcy Rodríguez, and have remained unpublished since 2024.

In a pointed economic remark, Capriles cited a projected 2026 oil output of 1.5 million barrels per day alongside anticipated VAT revenue. He pressed leaders at Miraflores Palace to move quickly on a worldwide pension supplement, arguing that retirees should receive no less than $150.

Key facts at a Glance

Subject	Details
Leading figure	Henrique Capriles Radonski
Opposition coalition	Libertad, minority bloc in Parliament; joined by Antonio Ecarri
Current Parliament dynamic	dominantly aligned with the ruling party
Main demands	Genuine government change; full release of all political prisoners; broader personal freedoms
energy policy concern	Clarify scope of new energy agreements; assess impact on everyday life
Economic indicators	Criticism of undisclosed indicators since 2024; calls for transparency
Pension proposal	Universal bonus of at least $150 for all pensioners

Context and Evergreen Insights

What unfolds here hinges on the balance between political freedoms, economic transparency, and policy reforms. Analysts note that for any credible transition, broad-based releases and the protection of civil liberties are frequently enough prerequisites for durable governance changes. The concerns about energy policy and fiscal indicators reflect a long-standing demand for accountable management of Venezuela’s foundational sectors.

Looking ahead, the convergence or divergence between the opposition’s demands and the ruling coalition’s approach to reforms will shape public perception both domestically and internationally. International observers frequently stress that transparent data, inclusive dialog, and predictable economic rules bolster confidence and can accelerate stabilization efforts.

What to watch Next

The coming weeks will reveal whether the Parliament can press for substantive reforms and whether the executive branch will respond with tangible steps, including prisoner releases and clear economic metrics. Public tolerance for drawn-out negotiations may hinge on visible progress in personal freedoms and economic relief measures.

Have Your Say

• Do you believe full political prisoner releases are the essential first step toward a legitimate transition?
• What concrete economic reforms would most improve daily life for Venezuelans in the near term?

Share your thoughts in the comments below and on social media to join the conversation about Venezuela’s path forward.

Note: This report summarizes statements and positions as presented in the latest parliamentary session. For ongoing developments, follow our continuing coverage.

“non‑violent offenses.”

Henrique Capriles Demands Real Government Change, Rejects “Agreed pax” in New Parliament

1.Context: 2025 Parliamentary Elections and the New National Assembly

• Election outcome: The December 2025 legislative vote produced a fragmented national Assembly,with the opposition coalition (Democratic Unity Platform) winning 27 of the 277 seats,while pro‑government parties retained a super‑majority.
• International observation: the European Union and the Institution of American States (OAS) confirmed “significant improvements in clarity” but noted persistent irregularities in voter registration and ballot counting [Reuters, Jan 2026].
• Capriles’ role: As the former governor of Miranda and 2023 presidential candidate, Henrique Capriles entered the Assembly as an autonomous deputy, positioning himself as the leading voice for structural reform.

2. What “Agreed Pax” Refers to

• Definition: The term “Agreed Pax” (Spanish “Paz Acuerdo”) describes a back‑channel proposal circulated by senior government officials in February 2026, promising a limited political truce in exchange for minor concessions on economic policy.
• Key clauses:

1. Temporary cease‑fire on street protests for a six‑month period.
2. Selective release of political prisoners tied to “non‑violent offenses.”

3‑ economic relief package limited to a 5 % reduction in fuel subsidies.

• Capriles’ criticism: He argues the proposal “fails to address the root causes of authoritarian rule and merely masks systemic corruption” [El Nacional, Jan 2026].

3. Capriles’ Core Demands for Real Government Change

#	Demand	Rationale
1	Complete constitutional overhaul – repeal the 1999 Constitution and draft a new charter guaranteeing separation of powers.	The current constitution centralizes authority in the executive, hindering legislative oversight.
2	Independent electoral authority – replace the National Electoral Council (CNE) with a technocratic, multi‑party board.	Guarantees future elections are free, fair, and internationally recognized.
3	Full restoration of parliamentary immunity for all deputies, regardless of party affiliation.	Protects opposition legislators from politically motivated prosecution.
4	Obvious anti‑corruption mechanisms – establish a civilian oversight commission with access to audit government contracts.	Reduces rent‑seeking and restores public trust in state institutions.
5	Complete economic reform – adopt a market‑pleasant fiscal policy, renegotiate oil‑royalty terms, and open the banking sector to foreign investment.	Addresses hyperinflation and chronic shortages that fuel social unrest.
6	Human‑rights guarantees – ratify the international Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR) without reservations.	Aligns Venezuela with global human‑rights standards and unlocks foreign aid.

4. Potential Political Impact

• Parliamentary dynamics: Acceptance of Capriles’ demands would require a constitutional amendment, needing a two‑thirds majority (185 seats). Current pro‑government alignment falls short, making legislative negotiation essential.
• Opposition strategy: By rejecting “Agreed Pax,” the opposition signals willingness to pursue hard‑line tactics, including mobilizing street protests and leveraging international diplomatic pressure.
• Government response: President Nicolás Maduro’s governance has labeled Capriles’ proposals “unrealistic” and accused the opposition of “foreign interference” [AP, Jan 2026].

5. International Reactions and Diplomatic Leverage

• United States: The State Department issued a statement urging “credible reforms that guarantee democratic transition,” hinting at potential sanctions relief if the constitutional agenda advances.
• european union: EU ambassadors in Caracas offered “technical assistance” for drafting a new constitution, contingent upon transparent public consultation.
• Latin American allies: Colombia and Brazil expressed support for a negotiated political solution,emphasizing regional stability.

6. Practical Tips for Activists and Policy Makers

1. Monitor legislative voting records – Use the official National Assembly portal to track how each deputy votes on constitutional amendments.
2. Leverage social media analytics – Identify trending hashtags (#CaprilesReform, #VenezuelaPax) to gauge public sentiment and coordinate peaceful demonstrations.
3. Engage with international NGOs – Partner with organizations like Human Rights Watch to document violations and build evidence for UN forums.
4. Develop a policy brief – Summarize Capriles’ six demands into a one‑page document for use in diplomatic briefings and media outreach.
5. Facilitate citizen assemblies – Organize town‑hall meetings in key municipalities (Caracas, Maracaibo, Valencia) to collect grassroots input on constitutional drafting.

7. Real‑World Example: The 2022 “National dialog” Failure

• Background: In 2022, a government‑led “National Dialogue” attempted to resolve the crisis but excluded opposition leaders and lacked enforceable outcomes.
• Outcome: The process collapsed within three months, leading to renewed protests and a spike in inflation.
• Lesson for 2026: Capriles stresses that any agreement must be inclusive, binding, and monitored by independent observers to avoid repeating past mistakes.

8. Timeline and Next Steps (2026‑2027)

Period	Milestone
Feb 2026	Formal rejection of “Agreed Pax” during Capriles’ parliamentary speech.
Mar‑Jun 2026	Drafting of constitutional amendment proposals by a cross‑party “Reform Committee.”
Jul 2026	Public referendum scheduled for the new constitution (subject to parliamentary approval).
Oct 2026	First round of international observer missions deployed to monitor the referendum.
Jan 2027	Potential inauguration of a restructured government under the newly ratified charter.

9. Key Takeaways for Readers

• Capriles is positioning the opposition as the catalyst for a comprehensive political overhaul, not a temporary cease‑fire.
• the rejection of “Agreed Pax” underscores a demand for structural, not symbolic, change.
• International stakeholders are monitoring the situation closely, ready to adjust diplomatic or economic levers based on Venezuela’s reform trajectory.

All information reflects developments up to 21 January 2026 and is sourced from reputable news agencies, official parliamentary records, and statements from the involved political actors.