U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio said on Thursday that Venezuela could hold free elections “ideally” in 2027, but only after a series of institutional, economic and security reforms are completed. In an interview with The New York Times at the White House, Rubio explained that the country must renew its Supreme Court and electoral council, restructure its debt, and reform its security forces before a credible vote can take place. Rubio cautioned that the elections would not be scheduled before the end of President Donald Trump’s term. He added that Washington‑sponsored talks between the Venezuelan government and a sector of the opposition are expected to produce a plan to reform the Supreme Court by mid‑December. Negotiators are also slated to meet next week to discuss the appointment of new members to the electoral council. “The debt, which is estimated at more than $200 billion, is a huge obstacle to restoring the economy and attracting investment,” Rubio said. “I think all sectors of society should support a solution.” On military cooperation, Rubio said the United States would like to eventually reach a legal agreement on a military presence in Venezuela. The remarks come a week after the Trump administration endorsed a roadmap agreed by the Venezuelan government and opposition. The plan calls for the renewal of the Supreme Court and the National Electoral Council. Once those reforms are in place, Delcy Rodríguez is expected to declare the presidency permanently vacant, which would trigger a six‑month window to call elections.
Article source: De Ultimo Minuto | Image credit: De Ultimo Minuto