A sense of quiet unease has enveloped Venezuela’s capital city, with residents anxiously awaiting the unfolding events in their nation, according to Caracas local Benigno Alarcón Deza.
Deza, a political expert at the Andrés Bello Catholic University, noted that Venezuelans have been left in a state of shock following the recent capture of President Nicolás Maduro and his wife, Cilia Flores, during a U.S. raid over the weekend.
As Maduro and his wife face charges of narco-terrorism in a New York trial, Delcy Rodríguez, a close ally of Maduro, has been appointed interim president, signaling no intentions of relinquishing power.
President Donald Trump has asserted U.S. dominance over Venezuela, vowing to take control of the country’s oil industry amidst the ongoing political turmoil.
Despite calls for exiled opposition leader María Corina Machado to assume leadership, doubts linger as her supporters claim victory for her ally Edmundo González in the 2024 election, disputing Maduro’s legitimacy.
This atmosphere of uncertainty has emptied the streets of Caracas, transforming the city into a virtual ghost town, as Deza shared with As It Happens host Nil Kӧksal.
How did witnessing Nicolás Maduro being escorted into a U.S. courthouse impact you personally and your community?
The sight of Maduro facing trial was anticipated by many in Venezuela; however, the surreal nature of the event has left the populace incredulous, likening it to a scene from a science fiction movie.
Ousted Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro and his wife, Cilia Flores, both pleaded not guilty to weapons and drug charges, inside a New York courthouse Monday afternoon. The two will remain in a Brooklyn prison until their next hearing.
It seems that there is skepticism regarding Maduro’s removal. How are people coping with this evolving situation?
Fear and apprehension grip the populace as they grapple with the uncertainty surrounding the unfolding events.
Today, homes are shuttered, businesses are scarce, and most individuals opt to stay indoors, seeking updates on the unfolding crisis.</p
