Opposition in Venezuela Requests US to Withdraw Chevron's Licenses to Destabilize Maduro

Venezuela's main opposition coalition has urged the US to revoke licenses allowing Chevron and other energy firms to operate in the country. The call aims to pressure President Nicolás Maduro into negotiating a transition from power. This appeal was made by Rafael de la Cruz, an adviser to Edmundo González Urrutia's campaign, representing the Unitary Platform coalition.

Opposition's Stance on Oil Companies

De la Cruz stated during a panel discussion hosted by a Washington-based think tank, "We want them cancelled … this is a lifeline to the regime." He emphasised that the issue is not with the oil companies themselves but with the situation that has impoverished Venezuela. "We want all the oil companies to go to Venezuela," he added, highlighting the dire economic conditions under Maduro's regime.

California-based Chevron is the largest company granted permission by President Joe Biden's administration to do business with Venezuela's state-owned oil company, Petróleos de Venezuela S.A. (PDVSA). The US Treasury Department sanctioned PDVSA in 2019 due to Maduro's government's corrupt and anti-democratic activities. Chevron received its license in 2022 after negotiations between Maduro and the opposition coalition began.

Sanctions and Licenses

In October, the Treasury Department eased sanctions on Venezuela following an agreement between Maduro and the opposition to improve electoral conditions ahead of the 2024 presidential election. However, as hopes for democratic reforms dwindled, the Biden administration reinstated some restrictions. The White House left open the possibility for companies to apply for exemptions, potentially attracting more investment to Venezuela, which holds the world's largest proven oil reserves.

European companies have also benefited from individual licenses. De la Cruz mentioned that the González-Machado campaign seeks "to find common ground" with oil companies but criticised their current presence in Venezuela. He argued that it allows Maduro to attempt to "normalize … de facto dictatorship that he is trying to set up in Venezuela."

Disputed Election Results

Venezuela's electoral authorities declared Maduro the winner shortly after polls closed on July 28. However, unlike previous elections, they did not release detailed vote tallies, citing a hack of the National Electoral Council's website. González and Machado later announced that their campaign had obtained vote tallies from over two-thirds of electronic voting machines and published them online, showing that Maduro had lost.

The lack of transparency led to global condemnation and prompted Maduro to request an audit from Venezuela's high court, which is filled with ruling party loyalists. The court reaffirmed his victory despite widespread scepticism.

Following the disputed election, US Congress introduced legislation to ban American investments in Venezuela's oil sector and impose visa restrictions on current and former Maduro government officials. Resolutions recognising González's victory were also introduced in both the House and Senate.

Sanctions on Maduro Allies

Last week, the Treasury Department imposed sanctions on 16 of Maduro's allies, accusing them of obstructing the vote and committing human rights abuses. Those targeted included leaders of state security forces, prosecutors, and the head of Venezuela's high court.

González, a former diplomat, recently went into exile in Spain after a warrant was issued for his arrest related to publishing vote tally sheets. His departure underscores the ongoing political turmoil in Venezuela.

Chevron did not immediately respond to a request for comment from The Associated Press regarding these developments.

The opposition coalition continues its efforts to challenge Maduro’s regime while seeking international support for democratic reforms in Venezuela.