Cabello says the PSUV is ready for elections as the government defends control over the oil deal

At a PSUV press conference on September 7, Diosdado Cabello said the party is ready to compete "whenever it is" and avoided confirming an election date, Infobae reported. Cabello mentioned the October 18 popular consultation and recalled the 6-million-barrel-a-day target set by Hugo Chávez.

Hydrocarbons Minister Paula Enao said Venezuela keeps control of oil revenue even though it is first deposited into a US bank account, according to VPItv and El Diario. Opposition commentator David Placeres called the deal almost free for Washington.

«Whenever it is, the United Socialist Party of Venezuela will be there, ready to win.»— Diosdado Cabello, September 7, 2026 · watch

«The United States has the right to receive 20%… of the oil output from the 17 fields at cost price — that is, practically for free.»— David Placeres, September 7, 2026 · watch