Caracas, Venezuela – More than a month after the capture of President Nicolás Maduro by U.S. Forces, Venezuela remains in a state of uncertainty, grappling with a fragile transition of power and mounting pressure for democratic reforms. While the government, now led by interim President Delcy Rodríguez, attempts to project an image of stability and independence, deep anxieties persist among citizens regarding potential political repression and the future direction of the oil-rich nation.
Rodríguez, in an interview with NBC News broadcast on Thursday, , pledged to hold free and fair elections. “Organizing free and fair elections in Venezuela means a country free where justice prevails,” she stated, according to the network’s translation. She also emphasized the need for a Venezuela “without sanctions, not under the intimidation of international powers, or harassment of foreign press.”
The promise of elections comes after years of political turmoil and disputed results. The opposition boycotted the 2025 legislative elections, alleging widespread irregularities. In the year prior, approximately 2,400 individuals were arrested and 28 killed during crackdowns on protests following the contested 2024 presidential election, which the opposition claims to have won.
However, the path towards a genuine democratic transition remains fraught with obstacles. The Venezuelan National Assembly recently postponed a vote on a general amnesty law, intended to secure the release of political prisoners, due to a lack of consensus. This delay prompted a demonstration by relatives of detainees, who chained themselves near the Zona 7 police detention center in Caracas, according to reports from the Agence France-Presse.
Despite the challenges, opposition figures are cautiously re-emerging. A significant demonstration took place on , led by Nobel Peace Prize laureate Maria Corina Machado, at the Central University of Venezuela (UCV). Protesters called for the immediate implementation of the amnesty law and a commitment to free and fair elections. Machado expressed optimism on X, stating, “Venezuela will be free! Long live our students!”
The capture of Maduro on by U.S. Forces marked a dramatic escalation in U.S.-Venezuela relations. The operation, described as “absolute resolve” by some officials, has left a deep scar on the nation. According to Interior Minister Diosdado Cabello, at least 100 people were killed and another 100 wounded during the operation. These figures have not been independently verified.
The U.S. Government has framed the intervention as a necessary step to restore democracy and address concerns about narco-terrorism and illicit financial activities linked to the Maduro regime. However, supporters of Maduro view his capture as a kidnapping and a violation of Venezuelan sovereignty.
The situation is further complicated by the involvement of external actors. The United States is seeking to exert influence over the transition process, while other nations, including China, are also vying for influence in the region. The recent visit by U.S. Energy Secretary Chris Wright to Venezuelan oil fields, alongside interim President Rodríguez, underscores the strategic importance of Venezuela’s vast oil reserves.
The economic situation in Venezuela remains dire. Years of mismanagement, corruption, and U.S. Sanctions have crippled the country’s economy, leading to widespread poverty and a humanitarian crisis. The future of the oil industry, a crucial source of revenue for the nation, is uncertain. The U.S. Administration, under former President Donald Trump, has indicated a willingness to consider easing sanctions if significant progress is made towards democratic reforms.
The coming weeks and months will be critical in determining the fate of Venezuela. The success of the transition hinges on the willingness of all parties to engage in constructive dialogue, uphold the rule of law, and prioritize the needs of the Venezuelan people. The international community will be closely watching to see whether the country can emerge from its long period of political and economic crisis and embark on a path towards a more stable and democratic future.
One month after Maduro’s capture, a sense of cautious optimism is mixed with deep-seated fear. As one Caracas resident, who wished to remain anonymous, told CNN, the situation feels “slow, and difficult.” She is waiting to see if a “real” change is possible, one that addresses the fundamental problems facing the nation.
