The Venezuelan parliament has unanimously approved a new amnesty law aimed at facilitating a political resolution in the country. However, this law has notable exclusions as it does not apply to certain figures, particularly opposition leaders such as Maria Corina Machado, who are facing accusations related to inciting military actions against the state. Machado, a laureate of the Nobel Peace Prize, has been accused by the ruling party of advocating for international intervention similar to that which led to the ousting of former president Nicolas Maduro.

The bill was signed by Delcy Rodriguez, the interim president who has taken over the country's leadership following the U.S. operation that captured Maduro on January 3. Rodriguez's push for this amnesty legislation appears to have been influenced by pressure from Washington, hoping to stabilize a tumultuous political environment and possibly navigate a transition of power. During her comments at the signing ceremony at the Presidential Palace in Caracas, Rodriguez emphasized the importance of knowing how to seek and grant forgiveness within the context of national healing.

Reactions to the amnesty law have been mixed, with some opposition figures and civil society organizations expressing concerns about the selective nature of the law and its implications for genuine reconciliation. Critics argue that the law undermines accountability for serious human rights violations while favoring certain political agendas. As Venezuela continues to grapple with a deep political and economic crisis, the implications of this law could significantly impact the future dynamic between the ruling and opposition parties, as well as the role of international actors in the country’s governance.