María Corina Machado has expressed her strong disapproval regarding the large-scale oil agreement between the United States and Venezuela. In a video released on Thursday, she voiced her feelings of "sadness and anger."
"I understand the emotions you're experiencing—sadness, anger, that familiar frustration in our history when decisions about our future are made without our involvement," she remarked.
The opposition leader explained her delayed response, stating she wanted to gather information before commenting: "I took a few days to speak out because, given the seriousness of the issue, it was responsible to first gather as much information as possible."
Details of the Controversial Oil Agreement
The deal was initially announced at the end of August by President Donald Trump, who described it as the largest oil agreement ever. It was confirmed by acting President Delcy Rodríguez, who publicly thanked Trump.
According to Rodríguez, the agreement spans 25 years, covering 17 oil fields with reserves estimated at 65 billion barrels—about 22% of Venezuela's proven reserves—and anticipates investments exceeding $100 billion.
Machado's Concerns and Proposals
While Machado did not oppose the need for foreign investment or partnerships with Washington, she questioned the regime's legitimacy in committing national resources.
"The wealth of our land doesn't belong to an illegitimate regime; it belongs to the Venezuelan people," she asserted, emphasizing that the U.S. is a natural strategic partner for Venezuela. However, she warned that such associations must be conducted properly: "The enemies of the United States in Venezuela are currently in Miraflores."
Machado raised critical questions: "Who signs? What exactly is signed? Who provides the funds? Who guarantees this? How does this benefit the Venezuelans?"
As an alternative, Machado recalled her energy plan presented in March at the CERAWeek conference in Houston, structured around five pillars: a transparent legal framework approved by a legitimate National Assembly, an independent hydrocarbons agency, public and open bidding, a stable and competitive fiscal regime, and legal security with international arbitration.
Reactions and Exclusions
U.S. Secretary of Energy Chris Wright visited Caracas on September 1st and 2nd to meet Rodríguez in Miraflores and sign additional agreements with Chevron and Eni, calling it a "historic day." Reports from previous weeks indicated that Machado and Edmundo González Urrutia were excluded from these negotiations.
The opposition leader also highlighted that even some within the chavismo protested in Caracas against the deal, viewing it as a surrender of sovereignty, although the PSUV officially supported it.
Machado concluded her statement with a powerful message summarizing her stance on such negotiations: "Venezuela is worth much more than its oil. The real value of Venezuela is its people, who are the best partners in the world when treated well and who will never sell our freedom and our country's freedom."
Frequently Asked Questions About the Venezuela-U.S. Oil Agreement
What is the duration of the oil agreement between the U.S. and Venezuela?
The agreement is set to last for 25 years, covering significant oil reserves and investments.
Who announced the oil deal as the largest in history?
President Donald Trump announced it as the largest oil deal in history.
What are the main concerns raised by María Corina Machado?
Machado's main concerns are the legitimacy of the regime in committing national resources without public involvement and the need for a transparent and lawful process.