Since 2015, José Luis Rodríguez Zapatero has woven a unique network of ties with Venezuela that places him as a privileged interlocutor of the Chavista regime, recognized both by Caracas and by Spanish governments of different stripes. His role as an electoral observer, facilitator of releases and political mediator persists in 2026, with the Spanish Government publicly valuing his work while clarifying that he is not acting with an official mandate.
In the midst of the crisis after the arrest of Nicolás Maduro, these ties are once again in the news: Chavismo appreciates his contribution to the release of prisoners and Spain confirms its historical trajectory in a context of Venezuelan transition.
The official start: mediator in 2015 at the request of the opposition
Zapatero began his involvement in Venezuela in 2015, integrated into an international group of former democratic presidents that responded to the express request of the Venezuelan opposition to mediate in the political crisis. The process begins in the Dominican Republic under the aegis of the OAS and UNASUR.
The Spanish Government, then led by Mariano Rajoy, officially recognized this work when Zapatero contributed to the release of opposition leader Leopoldo López. Subsequently, its role is consolidated in dialogue processes taken up by Norway and other European actors.
Electoral observer in controversial elections
Since 2018, Zapatero has acted as an international observer in Venezuelan elections questioned by the international community, including the 2018 presidential elections and the 2020 parliamentary elections. In 2024, he meets with Maduro days before the legislative elections.
He publicly admits that the Venezuelan Government covers the expenses of his travels, justifying it as common practice in observation missions. He participates in the verification of electoral results and maintains contact with all parties, consolidating his profile as a trusted figure for Caracas.
Present in Venezuela as an observer invited by Maduro on July 28, in those elections where the opposition denounces massive voting and lack of minutes. Maduro proclaims victory despite polls that gave Edmundo González the winner; Zapatero remained silent despite expectations of validation.
Facilitator of releases and gestures of detente
In 2024, Zapatero plays a discreet but key role in the departure to Spain of the opponent Edmundo González, Venezuelan president-elect according to the opposition. He declines to give public details “so as not to break trust” with the parties involved.
Jorge Rodríguez, president of the Venezuelan National Assembly, expressly thanks him for his contribution to the release of a “significant number” of Venezuelan and foreign political prisoners, announced as a “unilateral gesture of peace” five days after Maduro’s capture by the United States. Among those released are five Spanish citizens, according to Foreign Affairs.
The Minister of Foreign Affairs, José Manuel Albares, defended Zapatero’s career since 2015 at a press conference: “He carries out work that the Government recognizes and values.” Remember that your initial mediation had the support of Rajoy’s Executive.
However, Foreign Affairs specifies that “Zapatero does not act on behalf of the Government of Spain nor does he have a mandate from him.” Pedro Sánchez personally assumes the official dialogue with Edmundo González and the new Venezuelan Government led by Delcy Rodríguez, offering Spain’s “good offices” for the transition.
Direct contacts with the Chavista leadership
Nicolás Maduro: Multiple meetings since 2016, including private meetings in Caracas and Madrid. Zapatero visited him at the Miraflores Palace on several occasions.
Jorge Rodríguez: Interlocution sustained for a decade, culminating in the public recognition of January 7, 2026 for the releases. Rodríguez describes him as someone who “has been adding all his capabilities for national coexistence.”
Delcy Rodríguez: Frequent contact with the current interim president of Venezuela, in the context of the post-Maduro transition.
