Recently, rumors have begun to emerge about a possible fall of Nicolás Maduro in Venezuela. Reports in Washington indicated that Diosdado Cabello—Minister of the Interior in Nicolás Maduro's regime and number two in Chavismo—could be considered a key figure in a potential political transition scheme.
Among those exchanges, a message attributed to a U.S. official was mentioned, in which he expressed satisfaction because "they've understood how Diosdado is part of the solution." This referred to the possibility that sectors of the U.S. government might be evaluating different scenarios regarding Maduro's departure.
The reports circulated in parallel with accounts suggesting informal contacts between Chavismo representatives and U.S. officials, in a context of increasing diplomatic and military pressure in the region.
Cabello rejects any negotiation
On his weekly program broadcast by Venezolana de Televisión (VTV), Cabello categorically denied that there are negotiations for a political change in Venezuela. He called it a "lie" that Maduro had offered to remain "two more years" in power as part of an agreement.
"The regime is not at risk," Cabello stated, assuring that "absolutely nothing can put the Bolivarian revolution at risk." He also completely dismissed the idea that a dialogue channel aimed at a negotiated transition had been opened. The problems he would have faced by claiming anything different are evident.
The New York Times investigation
According to an investigation by the New York Times, the White House had rejected an informal proposal from Maduro himself to begin a transition period. This process would take two to three years before leading to an alleged orderly resignation.
