Venezuela oil agreements face legitimacy concerns from opposition

Opposition leaders and non-governmental organizations are raising concerns regarding the legitimacy of recent oil agreements between the United States and the Venezuelan government. The NGO Laboratorio de Paz warned that sustainable long-term investment in Venezuela requires full legal certainty and reliable institutions, including independent courts and democratic controls. The organization noted that uncertainty regarding the mandate of current authorities could compromise contracts intended to last for decades, citing constitutional principles regarding the nullity of acts performed by usurped authorities.

Opposition leader María Corina Machado also criticized the oil deal, which reportedly grants the United States control over 65 billion barrels of oil across 17 fields, representing 20% of Venezuela's reserves. Machado argued that while these resources are strategically vital for regional stability and U.S. national security, the nation's patrimony should not be managed by an illegitimate regime. She emphasized that the oil sector is only one component of a much larger reconstruction process required for the country.