+77%more mentions of dialogue and negotiation on opposition channels · Last 7 days compared with the January–July 2026 average.
−68%fewer mentions of Delcy on state TV · Last 7 days compared with the January–July 2026 average.
The European Union called the dialogue launched on August 1 between the 2026 National Assembly and the 2015 Assembly an opportunity and a step in the right direction, Infobae reported. The bloc asked for a Venezuelan-led, inclusive and transparent process leading to free and fair elections, and welcomed the announcement of new political prisoner releases, VPItv reported.
On state TV, Diosdado Cabello used Con El Mazo Dando to criticize opposition figures who attack the technical dialogue tables in public but seek a seat at them. On the opposition side, David Placeres said the table will review at least six laws and that María Corina Machado acknowledged to Der Spiegel she could be barred from the elections.
«The European bloc asked that this process be led by Venezuelans and carried out in an inclusive, plural and transparent way.»— VPItv, August 21, 2026 · watch
«…speaking negatively about the technical dialogue tables between the legitimate National Assembly and the former deputies of the 2015 Assembly.»— Diosdado Cabello, August 20, 2026 · watch
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The NGO Realidad Helicoide said political prisoners are held in 49 active facilities, from maximum-security prisons to police stations, Infobae and El Nacional reported. Amnesty International and relatives denounced a lack of medical care, and Diego Casanova of the Committee for the Freedom of Political Prisoners spoke of alleged torture, VPItv reported.
On Friday, relatives protested outside the Caracas courts over postponed hearings, among them those in the Plaza Venezuela case, with more than 50 civilians and soldiers detained since August 2025, according to VPItv. Foro Penal, cited by VPItv, says there are more than 300 political prisoners in the country.
«The organization says it has identified 49 active centers across the country»— VPItv, August 21, 2026 · watch
«Detainees who don't have someone powerful pressing down on their case get out.»— Relatives in the Plaza Venezuela case (quoted by VPItv), August 21, 2026 · watch
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Acting president Delcy Rodríguez opened the 2026-2027 school fair at La Carlota, with 120 fairs planned nationwide and discounts of 30% to 35%, according to VTV. She also visited the Latin American Children's Cardiology Hospital on its 20th anniversary and presented it as a symbol of resistance to sanctions.
«There was the effort, the commitment of a country that says, 'I will not surrender to a blockade or to sanctions.'»— Delcy Rodríguez, August 21, 2026 · watch
