US strengthens economic penalties on Venezuela following confirmation of opposition ban

The United States has reimposed sanctions on Venezuela after the country's Supreme Court upheld a ban on opposition candidate María Corina Machado. Despite winning a landslide victory in the primary to become the opposition's unity candidate for the 2024 presidential election, Machado received a 15-year ban on running for public office. However, she has vowed to stay in the race despite the ban. Last year, the US eased some sanctions on Venezuela after President Nicolás Maduro's government reached a deal with the opposition, which included allowing international observers to monitor the upcoming elections. As part of the agreement, opposition candidates who were previously barred from running were allowed to appeal their bans. However, Machado's appeal, along with that of another opposition leader, Henrique Capriles, was rejected by the Supreme Court. The US criticized the decision, calling it "deeply concerning" and contrary to the commitments made in the Barbados agreement. Additionally, the US reintroduced sanctions on the mining sector, warning companies to wind down their dealings with state-owned mining firm Minerven. However, sanctions on Venezuela's oil industry have yet to be reinstated, indicating a gradual approach. White House national security spokesman John Kirby stated that the Maduro government had until spring to honor their commitments. Despite the ban, Machado remains determined to run, stating that she has a mandate from the primary and that the elections cannot proceed without her. A representative for the Venezuelan government asserted that they had upheld their end of the bargain by allowing appeals and committing to respect the outcome.