Venezuela in February 2026: the most important developments in politics
In Venezuela in February 2026, the most widely reported development was an amnesty law for political prisoners. On 5 February the National Assembly passed initial votes to revoke political disqualifications and restore rights for opposition figures, and the head of parliament apologized to political prisoners. Approval was delayed around 12 and 13 February for lack of consensus. On 20 February parliament unanimously approved the law, which could lead to the release of hundreds of people detained for political reasons. Some observers welcomed the move cautiously, while rights groups criticized its limitations.
Acting president Delcy Rodriguez said on 12 February that she had received an invitation to visit the United States. She also affirmed that Nicolas Maduro, detained by U.S. forces with his wife, remains the country's legitimate leader, and said opposition figure Maria Corina Machado would face legal accountability if she returned to Venezuela. On 13 February Rodriguez committed to organizing free elections without giving a timeline, while President Donald Trump reportedly suggested a possible visit to Venezuela. Machado said, according to a Politico report, that competitive elections could be held this year. On 3 February U.S. envoy Francisco Palmieri met Carlos Vecchio in Miami to discuss a political transition and the release of political prisoners.
The detention of Maduro drew reactions abroad. Russia called the U.S. action unjustified and demanded the release of Maduro and his wife, and China's Foreign Ministry said it supports Venezuela in safeguarding its sovereignty. Argentina formally asked the United States to extradite Maduro on charges of crimes against humanity, and Brazilian President Lula downplayed the significance of Maduro's potential return to international forums, stressing the need for democratic guarantees. Thousands marched in Venezuela on 4 February demanding the release of Maduro and his wife.
by WorldBrief & Maksim Micheliov | AI-generated summary
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