The Venezuelan opposition has seen its access to government accounts blocked as part of sanctions imposed by the United States following the dissolution of the so-called interim government led by Juan Guaidó. This status was reported by Bloomberg, which noted that the seizure of these accounts has left opposition figures without critical financial channels tied to state resources.
Bloomberg further reported that opponents of President Nicolás Maduro face the loss of at least $347 million in legal costs that were legally recoverable and related to ongoing cases. The article asserts that these accounts are now controlled by Juan Guaidó’s supporters, with private legal firms handling matters abroad on behalf of the opposition. By February, records indicated that Guaidó owed about $9.4 million to seven law firms representing opposition interests outside Venezuela, highlighting the far-reaching financial implications of the political stalemate.
Since 2018, Venezuela has been embroiled in a political crisis centered on the official election of Nicolás Maduro and the parallel declaration by the National Assembly that Juan Guaidó was the acting head of state. Guaidó’s recognition by the United States, the European Union, and several Latin American governments has shaped external reactions to the domestic crisis, influencing how international actors engage with both sides of the dispute.
The U.S. Treasury subsequently removed references to Guaidó from its operating authorization to support the Venezuelan opposition after representatives chose to liquidate the interim government and the alternative cabinet, a move that further redefined the status of opposition-linked institutions and their access to foreign financial networks.
In January, Venezuelan authorities indicated they would not enter negotiations with the opposition to settle outstanding assets, signaling a deeper rift in efforts to resolve financial and political deadlock. The broader consequence of these moves is a measurable constraint on the opposition’s ability to fund legal actions, maintain operations, and engage with international legal partners as the country remains divided over leadership and governance.