Joesley Batista in Caracas: the Brazilian businessman trying to convince Maduro to resign
Joesley Batista, co-owner of the food giant JBS, made a discreet trip to Caracas on November 23 in an attempt to persuade President Nicolás Maduro to step down. The initiative, first reported by Bloomberg and later confirmed by outlets such as O Globo, Gazeta do Povo, and G1, positions Batista as an unexpected link between Donald Trump’s administration and the Venezuelan regime. Moreover, the episode illustrates how private actors can unexpectedly gain relevance in international crises.
An unlikely bridge
According to sources close to the White House, U.S. officials were aware of Batista’s visit but emphasized that he acted on his own initiative. The J&F holding, controlled by the Batista family, stressed that “Joesley is not a representative of any government.” In this context, his presence in Caracas came only days after a phone call between Trump and Maduro, during which the U.S. president reportedly issued a direct ultimatum. Therefore, Batista’s trip must be understood as part of a broader strategy of pressure.
Military pressure and risk of intervention
Since August, the United States has deployed a military apparatus in the Caribbean, claiming to fight drug trafficking. More than 20 vessels were bombed, resulting in over 80 deaths, according to Reuters and Al Jazeera. On the other hand, Trump declared that ground attacks could occur “very soon,” raising fears of direct intervention. Meanwhile, Maduro accused Washington of attempting to overthrow his government and insisted that Venezuela “will not accept a slave’s peace.” Thus, Batista’s visit acquires even greater significance.
Economic ties and JBS history
The Batista family has maintained commercial relations with Venezuela for more than a decade. In 2009, JBS signed a US$ 2.1 billion contract to supply meat and chicken to the country, according to IstoÉ Dinheiro. In addition, this background reinforces Joesley’s position as someone capable of opening dialogue channels, even informally. Nevertheless, the absence of official representation raises questions about the real weight of his mission.
What is at stake
- Peaceful transition: The initiative sought to offer Maduro a negotiated exit, avoiding military escalation.
- Institutional credibility: Acting without official mandate raises doubts about the effectiveness of the visit.
- Regional impact: Any change in Caracas directly affects Brazil, especially Roraima, a gateway for migrants.
- Global geopolitics: The episode shows how businessmen can become unexpected players in international crises.
Critical conclusion
Joesley Batista’s trip to Caracas is more than an isolated gesture: it reveals the complexity of the Venezuelan crisis and the multiplicity of actors involved. While Trump intensifies military threats and Maduro resists, the presence of a Brazilian businessman as mediator exposes both the fragility of regional institutions and the search for alternative solutions. Consequently, the key question remains whether this move will have real impact or simply become another curious chapter in the long struggle over Venezuela’s future.
CTA: Want to follow the developments of the Venezuelan crisis and the unexpected role of private actors? Discover other articles by Pedro Freitas and keep your critical lens on Latin American geopolitics.
Sources:
https://maketruthtriumphagain.com.br/en/gilmar-mendes-legislates-on-the-impeachment-of-supreme-court-justices-and-the-limits-of-the-judiciary/