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Venezuela Negotiations Collapse: Guaido Declares Dialogue 'Off the Table'

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  Published in Politics and Government on Tuesday, February 10th 2026 at 19:07 GMT by Al Jazeera
      Locales: Capital District, VENEZUELA

CARACAS, Venezuela - February 11, 2026 - Venezuela remains locked in a severe political and economic crisis as negotiations between the opposition, led by National Assembly chief Juan Guaido, and the government of President Nicolas Maduro have definitively broken down. Guaido announced on Wednesday that any prospect of dialogue is currently off the table, citing a persistent pattern of repression and a complete lack of meaningful progress in previous attempts.

"We've gone through several attempts at dialogue, and there has been no progress," Guaido stated in a video released on social media platforms. "The repression continues, and we can't have dialogue under those conditions." This firm stance signals a deepening of the political divide and casts a long shadow over potential pathways to a resolution for the beleaguered South American nation.

Maduro, who secured a second term in the 2018 presidential election widely condemned as fraudulent by international observers, has presided over a catastrophic economic collapse. Hyperinflation, shortages of basic necessities like food and medicine, and a breakdown of public services have driven an estimated seven million Venezuelans to flee the country, creating one of the largest migration crises in the region's history. These exiles have sought refuge primarily in neighboring Colombia, Peru, Ecuador, and further afield, placing significant strain on host countries.

While Maduro's government continues to dismiss Guaido's claim to the interim presidency - labelling him a puppet of foreign powers and accusing him of orchestrating coup attempts - his legitimacy remains a key point of contention internationally. Guaido initially invoked Article 233 of the Venezuelan constitution in January 2019, asserting his right to assume the presidency following the disputed 2018 election. This move garnered recognition from dozens of countries, including the United States, Canada, and many European nations, who view Maduro's rule as illegitimate.

Sanctions and International Pressure

The United States has been at the forefront of international pressure on the Maduro regime, imposing a series of increasingly stringent economic sanctions aimed at curtailing the government's access to financial resources and forcing it to negotiate a democratic transition. These sanctions, while intended to target the Maduro administration and its inner circle, have also contributed to the economic hardship faced by ordinary Venezuelans, creating a complex and controversial situation. Debate continues within the international community regarding the effectiveness and humanitarian impact of these measures. Some argue they are necessary to pressure Maduro into concessions, while others contend they exacerbate the suffering of the population.

The European Union has also implemented sanctions, focusing on individuals accused of human rights abuses and undermining democratic institutions. International organizations like the United Nations and the Organization of American States (OAS) have repeatedly called for a peaceful and democratic resolution to the crisis, mediating past negotiation attempts that, as Guaido points out, have ultimately failed to yield results.

The Cycle of Failed Negotiations

The history of dialogue between the government and the opposition is characterized by periods of tentative engagement followed by abrupt breakdowns. Past negotiations, often brokered by Norway, Vatican City, or other international actors, have stalled over issues such as electoral reforms, the release of political prisoners, and guarantees of independence for key institutions like the National Electoral Council. Maduro's government has consistently demanded the lifting of sanctions as a precondition for meaningful negotiations, a demand that the opposition and its international backers have largely resisted.

The current impasse raises serious concerns about the future of Venezuela. Without a viable path towards a political solution, the country risks further economic deterioration, increased social unrest, and a deepening humanitarian crisis. The international community faces a difficult challenge: how to maintain pressure on the Maduro regime while simultaneously mitigating the suffering of the Venezuelan people.

Analysts suggest that a comprehensive solution will require a multi-faceted approach that includes not only political negotiations but also humanitarian assistance, economic reforms, and a commitment to accountability for human rights violations. However, with Guaido closing the door on dialogue for the foreseeable future, the prospects for such a solution appear increasingly dim.