Caracas presents an uneasy mix of continuity and change in the months following the dramatic US strikes of January 3 and the subsequent detention of former Venezuelan president Nicolás Maduro. At first glance, daily life in the capital appears largely unchanged. The airport remains lined with political messaging, including “wanted” posters targeting opposition figure Edmundo González, while highways are filled with billboards featuring Maduro and his wife, accompanied by the slogan “We want them back.”
Public demonstrations organised by the government continue to project loyalty. On March 3, supporters gathered to mark two months since Maduro’s arrest, many wearing T-shirts emblazoned with his image and chanting slogans demanding his return. Protesters described him as a legitimate leader unjustly detained, with some calling him a “prisoner of war” and urging his restoration to power.
However, beneath the surface of these orchestrated displays lies a more complex reality. Several public sector employees, speaking anonymously, revealed that attendance at such rallies is often compulsory. Some claimed they were incentivised through financial bonuses, while others feared repercussions for non-compliance. A young worker dismissed the pro-government narrative as “false,” highlighting the climate of self-censorship that continues to prevail.
Following Maduro’s removal, former vice-president Delcy Rodríguez has assumed leadership and initiated closer ties with the United States—an unexpected shift after years of hostility. Washington has described the evolving relationship in positive terms, pointing to the release of certain political prisoners and the signing of new agreements in the oil and mining sectors. Despite this, many Venezuelans remain sceptical about whether these developments will translate into meaningful change.
Critics argue that key figures associated with the previous administration, including Interior Minister Diosdado Cabello and Defence Minister Vladimir Padrino López, continue to wield significant power. Concerns persist over the role of armed groups allegedly used to intimidate dissenters, reinforcing fears that structural change remains incomplete.
Economic hardship continues to shape public sentiment. Many citizens describe daily life as increasingly unaffordable, with limited access to stable employment and essential services. For some, emigration remains the only viable option. A young teacher from Maracaibo shared plans to relocate to Spain, citing persistent insecurity, unreliable electricity, and a lack of economic opportunity. She recalled past experiences of prolonged power outages and social unrest, underscoring her lack of confidence in sustained improvement.
The United States has proposed a phased roadmap for Venezuela’s future, focusing on stabilisation, recovery, and eventual democratic transition. However, the absence of a clear electoral timeline has contributed to ongoing uncertainty. Activists and civil society members cautiously acknowledge signs of improvement, including a renewed ability to protest and organise, particularly within university spaces.
At institutions such as the Central University of Venezuela, students have begun mobilising under new political platforms, advocating gradual reforms to avoid further instability. While many young people support political change, opinions remain divided on the role of US intervention. Some view it as necessary after years of repression, while others criticise it as a violation of national sovereignty and question whether new economic deals will benefit ordinary citizens.
Political divisions also persist within the opposition, with differing views on leadership and policy direction. While some back prominent opposition figures, others favour more moderate alternatives, reflecting broader debates about Venezuela’s political future.
For a generation that has grown up under a single political system, the concept of democracy remains abstract. Many express hope for reform but remain cautious, shaped by years of instability and unfulfilled promises. As Venezuela navigates this uncertain transition, the gap between visible change and lived reality continues to define the national mood.
