A peculiar calm has settled over Venezuela’s capital city as its residents anxiously await the unfolding of events in their country, according to Caracas resident Benigno Alarcón Deza, a political analyst at the Andrés Bello Catholic University. Deza mentioned that Venezuelans have been in a state of shock since the recent U.S. operation that resulted in the capture of President Nicolás Maduro and his spouse, Cilia Flores.
As Maduro and Flores face legal proceedings in New York on charges related to narco-terrorism, Maduro’s close associate, Delcy Rodríguez, has assumed the role of interim president, refusing to step down. President Donald Trump has asserted that the U.S. will take charge of Venezuela and seize control of the nation’s oil industry.
The idea of exiled opposition leader María Corina Machado assuming power has been dismissed by Trump. Supporters of Machado and many global observers assert that Edmundo González, a Machado ally, emerged victorious over Maduro in the 2024 election.
Deza highlighted that the prevailing uncertainty has transformed Caracas into a deserted city. In a conversation with As It Happens host Nil Kӧksal, Deza reflected on the surreal experience of witnessing Maduro being escorted into a U.S. courthouse, likening it to scenes from a science fiction movie.
Residents are gripped with fear and uncertainty, leading to widespread closures of businesses and schools. The streets of Caracas remain empty as people stay indoors, closely monitoring the unfolding events and seeking information about the situation.
Regarding the recent developments, Deza expressed skepticism about the potential for a smooth transition of power in Venezuela. He emphasized the importance of respecting the results of the 2024 election and pondered on the challenges of establishing stability in the aftermath of prolonged governance by a single faction.
The shift in tone from Delcy Rodríguez, Venezuela’s interim leader, towards a more cooperative approach with the U.S. was viewed by Deza as a reflection of the government’s apprehension and the realization of its limited capacity to handle such circumstances.
In conclusion, Deza noted that supporters of María Corina Machado and Edmundo González are dissatisfied with the pressure exerted by Trump, believing that Machado and González should rightfully assume leadership in Venezuela. Despite maintaining positive relations with the U.S. government, navigating the complexities of the current situation poses challenges for these opposition figures.
The situation in Venezuela remains fluid, with uncertainties looming over the country’s future political landscape.