The Interview – BBC World Service
Episode: Henrique Capriles, Venezuelan opposition leader: What comes next for Venezuela?
Date: February 6, 2026
Host: Norberto Paredes
Guest: Henrique Capriles

Overview

In this episode, BBC World Service host Norberto Paredes sits down with Henrique Capriles, a leading figure in Venezuela’s opposition and former presidential candidate, at a historic moment: the ousting of President Nicolás Maduro following a US-led intervention. Capriles provides candid reflections on Venezuela’s political crisis, outlines his vision for the country, and discusses the complex path toward democratic recovery. He addresses critiques from within the opposition, the challenge of Chavismo’s enduring presence, and the future of Venezuelan politics and society.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. The Impact of Maduro’s Removal (03:56–04:33)

• A Day for the History Books:
  Capriles compares the US-led capture of Maduro and Celia Flores to watershed events in Venezuelan history like El Caracazo (1989) and the coup attempts of 1992.
  Quote:

  “January 3, 2026 will stay in the memory. It’s now part of our country’s history. How did we take it? With surprise. I think nobody expected it.” (03:56 – Capriles)

• Reflections on International Law:
  Capriles says the Maduro government often played the victim card regarding international law, despite systemic human rights abuses.
  Quote:

  “How many times did the Venezuelan regime trample its own internal laws? Maduro… denied to hundreds of Venezuelans the right to choose their own lawyers to defend themselves.” (04:40 – Capriles)

2. Democratic Recovery and the Path Forward (02:10; 06:12–07:16; 19:54–22:45)

• Capriles’ Political Plan:
  He continuously emphasizes a single political agenda: democracy. For him, this means:

  • Independence of the judiciary (currently non-existent in Venezuela),
  • Respect for the Constitution,
  • Genuine autonomy of electoral authorities,
  • Separation of powers as prerequisites to democratic functioning.

  Quote:

  “My political plan is democracy, democracy, democracy. … Without separation of powers, there is no democracy. Democracy is not just voting. Democracy is respect for human dignity.” (02:10; 19:54 – Capriles)

• The Importance of a Roadmap:
  Capriles urges for a clear, actionable transition not merely to a transition, but specifically to democracy.

  • All political prisoners must be released and their cases closed.
  • Institutions must be rebuilt before free elections.
  • Economic and social stability must be addressed in tandem with political reform.

• Elections as a Means, Not the End:

  “Elections are not the end. They are a means to restore legislation, legitimacy. And legitimacy comes from the Venezuelan people.” (14:06 – Capriles)

3. Opposition Unity and Critique (06:12–07:16; 10:00–11:42; 16:28)

• On Leadership and Opposition Strategies:
  Capriles discourages personalization and protagonism; he calls for a united front, lamenting divisions and emphasizing negotiation over confrontational politics.

  • Responds to criticisms—especially the accusation that he is a collaborator or insufficiently militant.
  • He refuses to position himself as the singular or necessary leader, highlighting teamwork and broad participation.

  Quote:

  “My criticism is not personal… We need to add the last name transition to democracy.” (06:12 – Capriles)
  “Democracy is negotiation. Was force able to restore democracy? No, it will end in negotiation. Does negotiation mean collaboration?” (11:47 – Capriles)

• Addressing Past Election Turmoil:
  Capriles acknowledges he was not the protagonist of the opposition in the 2024 elections but stresses having always advocated for participation and non-violence.

4. Chavismo’s Endurance and What Comes Next (08:43–09:45; 15:54–16:16)

• Stabilizing the Country:
  Capriles notes Chavismo is not gone despite Maduro’s ouster.

  • Calls for revitalized institutions before any elections.
  • Stresses the international community (including Russia, China) did not support Maduro post-January 3, underscoring his lack of legitimacy.

• Risks of Superficial Change:
  Warns that mere economic recovery, without restoring legitimacy and democracy, may allow Chavismo—or new forms of authoritarianism—to persist under different names.

  Quote:

  “If the democratic opposition doesn’t unite, we may end up excluded from negotiations. … Legitimacy for a new government must come not from the US president, but from the Venezuelan people.” (16:28–18:29 – Capriles)

5. The Role of International Actors (04:33–05:57; 16:28–18:29)

• Capriles’ Critique of Foreign Intervention:
  He avoids justifying foreign intervention but underscores the regime itself broke all internal legal norms first.

  • Urges that any international deal not sideline democracy or allow foreign interests (notably the US) to drive Venezuelan politics for their own benefit.
  • United States has its own elections and interests—Venezuela’s future must not depend on DC politics.

  Quote:

  “The US has its own interests. They don’t necessarily align with Venezuelan’s interests.” (16:28)

6. Personal Reflections and the Cost of Politics (13:21–14:06; 18:34)

• Enduring Criticism and Staying in the Fight:
  Capriles details the polarization he faces, including social media harassment.
  • Reiterates his personal goal is not the presidency, but restoration of democracy.
  • Praises the perseverance of Maria Corina Machado and the need for opposition participation, even in unfair conditions.

7. Dangers of Civil Conflict and the Need for Dialogue (22:45–24:16)

• On Risks of Civil War & Violence:
  Capriles highlights that, even after the upheaval, Venezuelans have not responded with violence—a testament to a desire for peace and political resolution.

  Quote:

  “No one here will kill for any leader, whatever their name. … The scenario painted by the government was civil war. And Venezuelans did not respond with civil war. No one went out to kill.” (22:49 – Capriles)

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• “If you’re not a little bit afraid, you’re not paying attention.” (01:25 – Capriles)
• “We’ve never seen a people so united.” (01:25)
• “We’re more popular than populism.” (01:37)
• “Political plan? Democracy, democracy, democracy.” (02:10; repeated at 19:54 – Capriles)
• “Most Venezuelans would have gone out to celebrate what happened that morning [Maduro’s removal]; if not for the fear that still exists.” (04:33 – Capriles)
• “There will be no change if we replace one way of doing politics with the same thing in a different color.” (10:00 – Capriles)
• “Democracy is not just voting. Democracy is respect for human dignity.” (19:54)
• “People didn’t lose interest, they lost faith. Because politics doesn’t solve anything. If there is no politics, what is left? War.” (21:28 – Capriles)

Timestamps by Segment

• 01:25: Capriles’ opening sentiments on fear and unity.
• 02:10: Lays out his definition of democracy and the current state of Venezuelan institutions.
• 03:56: Reflections on the shock of Maduro’s ouster.
• 04:33–04:40: Foreign intervention and domestic reactions.
• 06:12: Perspective on opposition divisions and the transition to democracy.
• 07:25: Discussion of Chavismo’s continued presence and prospects for regime change.
• 08:43: The need for institutional reform before credible elections.
• 10:00: Addressing criticisms of his absence in street protests and the importance of opposition unity.
• 11:47: Thoughts on negotiation vs. perceptions of collaboration.
• 14:06: Why Capriles still prioritizes negotiation and persistent advocacy.
• 16:28: Risks that superficial stability will keep authoritarian figures in power.
• 18:34: On personal ambitions; re-centers democratic recovery as his mission.
• 19:54: Reiterates and expands on his vision for democracy.
• 22:49: Clear statement rejecting prospects of civil war.
• 24:16: Closing thoughts on national reconciliation and a future built by and for Venezuelans.

Tone & Language

Throughout, Capriles is direct, reflective, and insistent on nonviolence and negotiation. He stresses collective responsibility, avoids personal attacks, and maintains faith in peaceful, democratic change—even against severe odds.

Summary prepared for listeners seeking an in-depth yet accessible understanding of the issues, positions, and political atmosphere surrounding this historic turning point in Venezuela.