A unique calm has settled over Venezuela’s capital city as inhabitants await the unfolding future of their nation, according to Caracas resident Benigno Alarcón Deza. As a political analyst at the Andrés Bello Catholic University, Deza notes that Venezuelans have been in a state of disbelief since the recent U.S. operation that seized President Nicolás Maduro and his wife, Cilia Flores.
While Maduro and Flores face trial in New York on charges of narco-terrorism, Delcy Rodríguez, a close ally of Maduro, has been sworn in as the interim president with no intentions of stepping down. U.S. President Donald Trump has boldly asserted American dominance over Venezuela and announced plans to take control of the nation’s oil industry.
In response to the upheaval, Deza describes Caracas as a deserted city, resembling a ghost town. People are fearful and uncertain about the situation, leading to closures of homes and businesses. Schools and universities have suspended classes due to the prevailing circumstances, creating an eerie atmosphere in the country.
Reflecting on the recent events, Deza expresses skepticism about the potential outcomes of the current power struggle in Venezuela. He questions whether the incumbent government will cooperate in dismantling the existing system, which has been in place for decades. The uncertainty surrounding the future governance of Venezuela leaves many pondering the stability and direction of the nation.
As the Venezuelan government attempts to navigate the crisis, there appears to be a shift in tone, with Rodríguez adopting a more conciliatory approach, suggesting a willingness to collaborate on a cooperative agenda with the U.S. However, the government’s response to recent events indicates a lack of preparedness and a potential willingness to cooperate in order to avoid further confrontations.
For supporters of opposition figures María Corina Machado and Edmundo González, the pressure exerted by the U.S. has raised concerns about the fairness of the situation. Many Venezuelans view Machado and González as potential leaders who could guide the country out of its current turmoil. The relationships between these opposition figures and the U.S. government have been complex, with varying degrees of support and challenges arising from the recent developments.