A sense of eerie calm has descended upon Venezuela’s capital city as its residents await the unfolding of uncertain times, according to Caracas local Benigno Alarcón Deza.
Deza, an expert in politics at Andrés Bello Catholic University, remarks that Venezuelans are reeling from the events since the U.S. conducted a raid in their country and apprehended President Nicolás Maduro and his spouse, Cilia Flores, last Saturday.
As Maduro and Flores face legal proceedings in New York on charges related to narco-terrorism, Maduro’s ally, Delcy Rodríguez, has assumed the role of interim president without intentions of stepping down.
Meanwhile, U.S. President Donald Trump has announced plans for the United States to take control of Venezuela and its oil industry.
Trump has rejected the notion of exiled opposition figure María Corina Machado assuming leadership, despite claims from her supporters and international observers that Machado’s associate, Edmundo González, won the 2024 election against Maduro.
Deza notes that the prevailing uncertainty has transformed Caracas into a desolate city. Here are excerpts from his conversation with As It Happens host Nil Kӧksal.
How did witnessing Nicolás Maduro being escorted into a U.S. courthouse today impact you personally and your community?
The sight of Maduro entering the court was largely anticipated by Venezuelans, yet the surreal nature of the event makes it seem like a scene from a science fiction movie, challenging belief.
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 people are struggling to accept Maduro’s removal. How are individuals responding as they come to terms with the situation?
The populace is gripped by fear over the unfolding events and the uncertainty that lies ahead.
Today, households are shuttering their doors, with few businesses operating normally. The majority are staying indoors, monitoring the news to stay informed about the developments.
Schools and universities in Venezuela have postponed classes due
