Feed MRSS-S caracas_a, english.elpais.com en-us https://english.elpais.com Wed, 10 Jun 2026 11:39:33 GMT https://english.elpais.com/international/2026-06-10/venezuela-releases-54-political-prisoners-all-members-of-the-military.html Wed, 10 Jun 2026 11:39:33 GMT https://english.elpais.com/international/2026-06-10/venezuela-releases-54-political-prisoners-all-members-of-the-military.html Alonso Moleiro Most were part of the so‑called Operation White Armband, an alleged conspiracy denounced by Chavista intelligence agencies Most were part of the so‑called Operation White Armband, an alleged conspiracy denounced by Chavista intelligence agencies Venezuela Caracas Delcy Rodríguez Nicolás Maduro Ariana Cubillos (AP Photo/Ariana Cubillos) Venezuela Political Prisoners Relatives of political prisoners camp near the U.S. embassy in Caracas, Venezuela, on June 9, 2026. Relatives of political prisoners camp near the U.S. embassy in Caracas, Venezuela, on June 9, 2026. <p><a href="https://english.elpais.com/international/2026-05-16/venezuela-the-risk-of-changing-so-everything-stays-the-same.html" target="_self" rel="" title="https://english.elpais.com/international/2026-05-16/venezuela-the-risk-of-changing-so-everything-stays-the-same.html">The Venezuelan government</a> on Tuesday authorized the release of another 54 political prisoners, all military personnel, according to information confirmed by relatives of the detainees and support groups such as the Coalition for Human Rights and Democracy. Three of those released are women. According to data provided by Foro Penal official Gonzalo Himiob, most of them were part of the so‑called Operation White Armband, an alleged military conspiracy denounced by Venezuelan intelligence agencies four years ago. They had been held at Ramo Verde prison and the National Institute for Female Rehabilitation (INOF).</p><p><a href="https://english.elpais.com/international/2026-06-10/venezuela-releases-54-political-prisoners-all-members-of-the-military.html" target="_blank">Seguir leyendo</a></p> https://english.elpais.com/economy-and-business/2026-06-04/venezuela-opens-its-electricity-system-to-private-investment.html Thu, 04 Jun 2026 10:14:56 GMT https://english.elpais.com/economy-and-business/2026-06-04/venezuela-opens-its-electricity-system-to-private-investment.html Alonso Moleiro The policy shift aims to address the collapse of a grid that has been battered by blackouts and problems over the past two decades, and includes a tariff increase The policy shift aims to address the collapse of a grid that has been battered by blackouts and problems over the past two decades, and includes a tariff increase Venezuela Caracas Delcy Rodríguez Nicolás Maduro MIGUEL GUTIERREZ (EFE) Venezuela electricity system Session in Venezuela’s assembly, in April. Session in Venezuela’s assembly, in April. <p>The National Assembly of Venezuela, controlled <a href="https://english.elpais.com/international/2026-05-16/venezuela-the-risk-of-changing-so-everything-stays-the-same.html" target="_self" rel="" title="https://english.elpais.com/international/2026-05-16/venezuela-the-risk-of-changing-so-everything-stays-the-same.html">by Chavismo</a>, has taken a step toward ending the state monopoly over the electricity service, which has been in crisis with blackouts and other problems for two decades. A draft reform to the Organic Law of the Electric System and Service was approved in first reading; it is aimed at opening the field to private capital within a framework of long-term concessions. </p><p><a href="https://english.elpais.com/economy-and-business/2026-06-04/venezuela-opens-its-electricity-system-to-private-investment.html" target="_blank">Seguir leyendo</a></p> https://english.elpais.com/international/2026-06-02/the-other-carmen-navas-the-tireless-families-searching-for-relatives-who-disappeared-in-venezuelas-prisons.html Tue, 02 Jun 2026 13:03:03 GMT https://english.elpais.com/international/2026-06-02/the-other-carmen-navas-the-tireless-families-searching-for-relatives-who-disappeared-in-venezuelas-prisons.html Florantonia Singer NGOs report there are at least 21 people irregularly detained whose whereabouts are unknown. In one case, the family has been searching for eight years NGOs report there are at least 21 people irregularly detained whose whereabouts are unknown. In one case, the family has been searching for eight years Venezuela Caracas Delcy Rodríguez Nicolás Maduro Ronald Peña R (EFE) Venezolanos hacen vigilia para honrar a la madre del preso político que murió en prisión People hold candles during a vigil in honor of Carmen Navas in Caracas, Venezuela. People hold candles during a vigil in honor of Carmen Navas in Caracas, Venezuela. <p>María Emely Delgado crossed paths with Carmen Navas several times this year: at the offices of the NGO Foro Penal, at the Public Ministry, and once at the El Rodeo prison on the outskirts of Caracas. Delgado is 63 years old, Navas was 82. Both were looking for their sons, who disappeared after being <a href="https://english.elpais.com/international/2026-05-21/venezuelas-longest-serving-political-prisoners-released-after-23-years-behind-bars.html" target="_self" rel="" title="https://english.elpais.com/international/2026-05-21/venezuelas-longest-serving-political-prisoners-released-after-23-years-behind-bars.html">arbitrarily detained</a>. Carmen Navas died 10 days after finding her son Víctor Hugo in a cemetery. She had spent 16 months searching for him. María Emely has still not found Jorgen. “You have to be in these shoes to know what this is like,” says the retired teacher, who has been wearing them for almost two years. “Her son had been missing for less time than mine; with Jorgen I’m now coming up on 22 months without news of him.”</p><p><a href="https://english.elpais.com/international/2026-06-02/the-other-carmen-navas-the-tireless-families-searching-for-relatives-who-disappeared-in-venezuelas-prisons.html" target="_blank">Seguir leyendo</a></p> https://english.elpais.com/international/2026-05-21/venezuelas-longest-serving-political-prisoners-released-after-23-years-behind-bars.html Thu, 21 May 2026 11:06:10 GMT https://english.elpais.com/international/2026-05-21/venezuelas-longest-serving-political-prisoners-released-after-23-years-behind-bars.html Florantonia Singer,Alonso Moleiro Héctor Rovaín, Luis Molina, and Erasmo Bolívar were convicted, without evidence, over deaths that occurred in 2002 during protests in which Hugo Chávez was briefly ousted Héctor Rovaín, Luis Molina, and Erasmo Bolívar were convicted, without evidence, over deaths that occurred in 2002 during protests in which Hugo Chávez was briefly ousted Venezuela Hugo Chávez Caracas Jorge Rodríguez Gómez Delcy Rodríguez Observatorio venezolano de prisiones Venezuela’s political prisoners released Luis Molina, Erasmo Bolívar, and Héctor Rovaín leaving prison on Wednesday. Luis Molina, Erasmo Bolívar, and Héctor Rovaín leaving prison on Wednesday. <p>Héctor Rovaín was 34 when he went to prison and his parents were still alive. He left at 57 without having been able to bury them. Luis Molina left his daughter as a three‑year‑old and will now meet a married woman and a grandchild he has yet to know. Like the other two, Erasmo Bolívar spent 23 Christmases without embracing his family. All three were officers of the Metropolitan Police (PM), a force that operated in Caracas and which no longer exists. They were accused, without evidence, along with six other officers, of two of the 19 deaths that occurred on April 11, 2002, when an opposition‑called protest tried to reach the Miraflores presidential palace and demonstrators were repelled by gunfire. There remain doubts about where those bullets came from. That same day, <a href="https://english.elpais.com/international/2026-03-30/a-witness-to-the-many-lives-of-nicolas-maduro.html" target="_self" rel="" title="https://english.elpais.com/international/2026-03-30/a-witness-to-the-many-lives-of-nicolas-maduro.html">Hugo Chávez was toppled in a coup d’état</a>, though he returned to power 48 hours later.</p><p><a href="https://english.elpais.com/international/2026-05-21/venezuelas-longest-serving-political-prisoners-released-after-23-years-behind-bars.html" target="_blank">Seguir leyendo</a></p> https://english.elpais.com/international/2026-05-14/the-soap-opera-of-the-chavista-influencers-a-search-for-likes-or-an-internal-schism.html Thu, 14 May 2026 10:16:53 GMT https://english.elpais.com/international/2026-05-14/the-soap-opera-of-the-chavista-influencers-a-search-for-likes-or-an-internal-schism.html María Martín ,Alonso Moleiro The most prominent figures in the revolution’s media ecosystem are waging a war against the Rodríguez siblings and speculating about their alleged betrayal. Is this is merely a fleeting social media controversy or a reflection of a deeper problem for the government? The most prominent figures in the revolution’s media ecosystem are waging a war against the Rodríguez siblings and speculating about their alleged betrayal. Is this is merely a fleeting social media controversy or a reflection of a deeper problem for the government? Venezuela Delcy Rodríguez Jorge Rodríguez Gómez Caracas @indiurbaneja Chavista influencers Delcy Rodríguez during a pilgrimage in Carcas. Delcy Rodríguez during a pilgrimage in Carcas. <p>Much has been written about the capture of Nicolás Maduro, the U.S. intervention, and the rise of Delcy Rodríguez, but a veil of caution has silenced the internal indignation within Chavismo—especially among its more radical sectors—as they find themselves without a president and <a href="https://english.elpais.com/international/2026-05-13/51st-state-the-white-houses-latest-threatening-taunt-to-venezuela.html" target="_self" rel="" title="https://english.elpais.com/international/2026-05-13/51st-state-the-white-houses-latest-threatening-taunt-to-venezuela.html">subjected to U.S. imperialism</a>. This silence has projected an image of unity during the worst crisis the Bolivarian Revolution has ever faced, but tjat was until some of its loudest voices unleashed an online war in recent days, breaking the taboo surrounding the betrayal and the role of the Rodríguez siblings in this new era. While <a href="https://english.elpais.com/international/2026-05-11/maria-corina-machado-the-position-of-the-united-states-and-other-allies-weighs-on-my-decision-to-return-the-timing-has-to-be-right.html" target="_self" rel="" title="https://english.elpais.com/international/2026-05-11/maria-corina-machado-the-position-of-the-united-states-and-other-allies-weighs-on-my-decision-to-return-the-timing-has-to-be-right.html">the opposition</a> watches this soap opera with glee, the lingering question is whether this friendly fire is merely a fleeting social media spat or the expression of a serious schism within the Chavista ranks.</p><p><a href="https://english.elpais.com/international/2026-05-14/the-soap-opera-of-the-chavista-influencers-a-search-for-likes-or-an-internal-schism.html" target="_blank">Seguir leyendo</a></p> https://english.elpais.com/economy-and-business/2026-05-06/investors-land-in-caracas-while-mothers-continue-searching-for-their-children-in-prisons.html Wed, 06 May 2026 11:19:28 GMT https://english.elpais.com/economy-and-business/2026-05-06/investors-land-in-caracas-while-mothers-continue-searching-for-their-children-in-prisons.html Florantonia Singer Changes in Venezuela are focused on the economy, even as people continue to denounce abuses and repression by the police forces Changes in Venezuela are focused on the economy, even as people continue to denounce abuses and repression by the police forces Caracas Venezuela Delcy Rodríguez Diosdado Cabello América Nicolás Maduro Miguel Gutiérrez (EFE) Venezolanos responden al llamado de Machado y exigen la liberación de los presos políticos Protesters demonstrate for the release of political prisoners in Caracas, Venezuela, on May 3. Protesters demonstrate for the release of political prisoners in Caracas, Venezuela, on May 3. <p>José Perozo, a 24-year-old Venezuelan, is behind bars again. In 2024, he was arrested during the crackdown on protests against the presidential election results. This time, he had gone out to fill some water jugs at a reservoir near his home in Mariara, Carabobo state, when a patrol car pulled up beside him. They arrested him, put a hood over his head, and took him away. His mother has searched every police station in town without finding him. “How long will this go on? We can’t even go out on the street!” pleads Yuraima Piñero.</p><p><a href="https://english.elpais.com/economy-and-business/2026-05-06/investors-land-in-caracas-while-mothers-continue-searching-for-their-children-in-prisons.html" target="_blank">Seguir leyendo</a></p> https://english.elpais.com/international/2026-05-03/internal-purges-and-external-tutelage-venezuelas-chavista-regime-rebuilds-its-faith-on-maduros-ruins.html Sun, 03 May 2026 04:00:00 GMT https://english.elpais.com/international/2026-05-03/internal-purges-and-external-tutelage-venezuelas-chavista-regime-rebuilds-its-faith-on-maduros-ruins.html María Martín The ruling party was prepared to die, but not to submit to the United States. Delcy Rodríguez’s leadership has displaced the presidential couple’s circle of influence, surrounding itself with new loyalties The ruling party was prepared to die, but not to submit to the United States. Delcy Rodríguez’s leadership has displaced the presidential couple’s circle of influence, surrounding itself with new loyalties Venezuela Nicolás Maduro Delcy Rodríguez Caracas América Hugo Chávez Cilia Flores Diosdado Cabello Andrea Hernández Briceño (EL PAÍS) VENEZUELA - POST MADURO - TESTIMONIOS A woman holds a sign with images of Nicolás Maduro and former First Lady Cilia Flores, during the peace march in Caracas on April 9, 2026.  A woman holds a sign with images of Nicolás Maduro and former First Lady Cilia Flores, during the peace march in Caracas on April 9, 2026.  <img src="https://images.english.elpais.com/resizer/v2/UYEWQEODINH4VNU5QH3VMHW6PM.JPG?auth=bfebf48ec84737f22d1b8568fe19f77a01628424c30d8fc7ba246b5969a8adc4" width="4000" height="2667" alt="A woman holds a sign with images of Nicolás Maduro and former First Lady Cilia Flores, during the peace march in Caracas on April 9, 2026. "></img><p>For months,<b> </b>Venezuela’s Chavista regime<b> </b>prepared to die, but not to emerge badly wounded. Of all the scenarios considered during <a href="https://english.elpais.com/international/2026-04-30/us-intervention-ends-a-decade-of-statistical-silence-in-venezuela.html" target="_self" rel="" title="https://english.elpais.com/international/2026-04-30/us-intervention-ends-a-decade-of-statistical-silence-in-venezuela.html">Donald Trump’s offensive against Nicolás Maduro</a>, the president being captured alive wasn’t on anyone’s radar. “I had never held a pistol or a rifle in my life... and I prepared myself [for] months to face any situation that might arise. But [I didn’t expect] this one,” says a prominent member of the ruling United Socialist Party of Venezuela (PSUV), founded by former president Hugo Chávez, who governed from 1999 until his death in 2013.<b> </b></p><p><a href="https://english.elpais.com/international/2026-05-03/internal-purges-and-external-tutelage-venezuelas-chavista-regime-rebuilds-its-faith-on-maduros-ruins.html" target="_blank">Seguir leyendo</a></p><img src="https://images.english.elpais.com/resizer/v2/N7IRGFI755H6RACKGR3SNPWXCU.JPG?auth=ed4b2a1206ce2475a691feae5dc2990c03a0e68381560d4119211f7c16c01fa0" width="4000" height="2667" alt="A woman holds a sign with images of Nicolás Maduro and Cilia Flores at the peace march."></img><img src="https://images.english.elpais.com/resizer/v2/IVVSATA72VEZ3MEGW7T2GM5JHU.jpg?auth=a1573394f6032c575df2b0fe43782c8d50963806ccd9beca2126df1c502ba90b" width="3000" height="2000" alt="Jorge Rodríguez at the Legislative Palace in Caracas, Venezuela, on April 10, 2026. "></img><img src="https://images.english.elpais.com/resizer/v2/OOUZ3TL4LNEIJAFHFWWX73J32U.JPG?auth=e1869ebfe8d3553ee03a46f9d92234fbd67e65c53c1f53b784bee07d75c6f9a9" width="4000" height="2667" alt="Dairobi Orta Brito, pictured in downtown Caracas, Venezuela, on April 15, 2026. "></img> https://english.elpais.com/economy-and-business/2026-04-29/have-you-been-to-caracas-yet-the-question-investors-are-asking-about-venezuela.html Wed, 29 Apr 2026 09:34:37 GMT https://english.elpais.com/economy-and-business/2026-04-29/have-you-been-to-caracas-yet-the-question-investors-are-asking-about-venezuela.html María Martín ,Florantonia Singer Oil is once again the spearhead of the country’s economy, with the hope that it will pull many other sectors along with it, including tourism and housing Oil is once again the spearhead of the country’s economy, with the hope that it will pull many other sectors along with it, including tourism and housing Venezuela Caracas Delcy Rodríguez Nicolás Maduro Bogotá Carlos Becerra (Bloomberg) Venezuela Petróleos de Venezuela headquarters in Caracas, in March 2023. Petróleos de Venezuela headquarters in Caracas, in March 2023. <p>At an elite club in northern Bogotá, some fifty <a href="https://english.elpais.com/international/2026-04-27/why-the-thaw-between-colombia-and-venezuela-works-in-trumps-favor.html" target="_self" rel="" title="https://english.elpais.com/international/2026-04-27/why-the-thaw-between-colombia-and-venezuela-works-in-trumps-favor.html">Colombian investors</a> listened last Tuesday to a statement that sums up Venezuela’s current economic situation better than any report. It was uttered by Ángel Cárdenas, infrastructure manager at CAF, the Development Bank of Latin America and the Caribbean: “Among investors in the region, the debate is no longer whether the country represents an opportunity or a risk. The question is whether or not you’ve already been to Caracas.” After years of freefall, the country with the world’s largest oil reserves has returned to the global radar.</p><p><a href="https://english.elpais.com/economy-and-business/2026-04-29/have-you-been-to-caracas-yet-the-question-investors-are-asking-about-venezuela.html" target="_blank">Seguir leyendo</a></p> https://english.elpais.com/international/2026-04-27/venezuela-a-provisional-country.html Mon, 27 Apr 2026 01:31:27 GMT https://english.elpais.com/international/2026-04-27/venezuela-a-provisional-country.html Javier Lafuente ,María Martín The expectation for a positive change in Venezuela is as great as it is fragile. The streets of Caracas are once again abuzz with excitement over the prospect of economic improvement, hopes for a swift return to democracy, a desire to move on from Maduro without looking back, and the influence of Donald Trump The expectation for a positive change in Venezuela is as great as it is fragile. The streets of Caracas are once again abuzz with excitement over the prospect of economic improvement, hopes for a swift return to democracy, a desire to move on from Maduro without looking back, and the influence of Donald Trump Venezuela Nicolás Maduro Donald Trump Delcy Rodríguez Jorge Rodríguez Gómez Hugo Chávez Caracas María Corina Machado Sr. García (EL PAÍS) VENEZUELA - ILUSTRACIÓN <img src="https://images.english.elpais.com/resizer/v2/6KHKEQCBVBGTJJTDFTH4F6PXNI.jpeg?auth=f594ecad668b4b6ab1d63ba7a6ec85c8c302b2fe9aac231e185083bf1a7866f4" width="1280" height="1024" alt="."></img><p>There are two pairs of eyes that have shaped the lives of Venezuelans for more than two decades. Symbolic eyes, once adorning building facades, t-shirts, and the city’s staircases. They were the eyes of Hugo Chávez: a gaze designed to suggest authority, surveillance, omnipresence. A gaze that, even after his death in 2013, remained, as if power no longer needed a body, only presence. </p><p><a href="https://english.elpais.com/international/2026-04-27/venezuela-a-provisional-country.html" target="_blank">Seguir leyendo</a></p><img src="https://images.english.elpais.com/resizer/v2/TCLM2CFXGFEX7MPTELQ46SHFDE.JPG?auth=29089609c819116482941bc44e584dd741ed7a60b4463626fc83d24de3b56f9b" width="4000" height="2667" alt="A woman holds a sign of Hugo Chávez at a march organized by Chavismo in Caracas, on April 9."></img><img src="https://images.english.elpais.com/resizer/v2/XUAXT42KFZFIVIYIWJM2EK3XLQ.jpg?auth=5e29632cd92ddc21abec363fb2a38eda5943ff151bd45dc62dd2d8e1481080ec" width="4000" height="2516" alt="Nancy Peñaloza, the mother of political prisoner José Moreno, protests in front of the Legislative Palace last February."></img><img src="https://images.english.elpais.com/resizer/v2/2NRY4DSATVGUNAVORL2L2HY6PM.JPG?auth=89aaadae990c7b63d153c4c8cdc19f8056300963eb5f4f7e08f9f0a7096ea693" width="4000" height="2667" alt="Diners at the Dos Puntos restaurant in Caracas, on April 11."></img><img src="https://images.english.elpais.com/resizer/v2/MUMIWVBSNFAZ3JOHZ4JULEAALA.JPG?auth=0f32a3430ef27929130671aa2d78fdc62c5db40db8bfcb7d0ecbeb2e0f2ce32a" width="4000" height="2667" alt="Workers and retirees clash with the Bolivarian National Police in downtown Caracas."></img><img src="https://images.english.elpais.com/resizer/v2/EYIRCTOOEJHDTBMGFOS3QJ4CD4.JPG?auth=b65525f0a94c58775569b2ecbde6dfdb3db73fb4ac5caa0dd231f4025f66c37b" width="4000" height="2667" alt="A woman gets off a bus in downtown Caracas."></img><img src="https://images.english.elpais.com/resizer/v2/IP3P2UUHQJEZRP3NNWV6LWRZVA.JPG?auth=ece3cbb8cae430d801cf9fc98501561367cca5dbae0016d68e8d63ff3315bcc0" width="4000" height="2667" alt="A woman watches the sunset on Bolivar Avenue."></img> https://english.elpais.com/international/2026-04-25/in-a-caracas-without-maduro-everything-is-a-priority-right-now.html Sat, 25 Apr 2026 04:00:00 GMT https://english.elpais.com/international/2026-04-25/in-a-caracas-without-maduro-everything-is-a-priority-right-now.html María Martín The president’s fall ignited hope. But on the streets, money still isn’t flowing and expectations are outpacing reality The president’s fall ignited hope. But on the streets, money still isn’t flowing and expectations are outpacing reality Venezuela Nicolás Maduro Delcy Rodríguez María Corina Machado Caracas Jorge Rodríguez Gómez Chavismo Chelo Camacho y Andrea Hernández Briceño Life in Caracas without Maduro (Spanish) A family on a bus in Caracas, April 9. A family on a bus in Caracas, April 9. Andrea Hernández Briceño VENEZUELA - POST MADURO - TESTIMONIOS María Velásquez sells empanadas in the Petare neighborhood of Caracas on April 11. María Velásquez sells empanadas in the Petare neighborhood of Caracas on April 11. Andrea Hernández Briceño VENEZUELA - POST MADURO - TESTIMONIOS A group of women walking through the Petare neighborhood. A group of women walking through the Petare neighborhood. Andrea Hernández Briceño VENEZUELA - POST MADURO - TESTIMONIOS Young people play during a volleyball tournament in the Petare neighborhood on April 11. Young people play during a volleyball tournament in the Petare neighborhood on April 11. Andrea Hernández Briceño VENEZUELA - POST MADURO - TESTIMONIOS A little girl buys an empanada at María Velásquez's stand. A little girl buys an empanada at María Velásquez's stand. Andrea Hernández Briceño VENEZUELA - POST MADURO - TESTIMONIOS A street vendor and a woman in Petare, Caracas. A street vendor and a woman in Petare, Caracas. <p>On a Saturday evening, in an upscale Caracas neighborhood, a bar fills up. Well-dressed men, smelling of cologne, recount their week. Women with sleek hair and long eyelashes take selfies in the bathroom. People on the street talk on their cell phones, engaging in heated discussions about current events, while a DJ spins vinyl records. There are signature cocktails being served. Everything is in its usual place. </p><p><a href="https://english.elpais.com/international/2026-04-25/in-a-caracas-without-maduro-everything-is-a-priority-right-now.html" target="_blank">Seguir leyendo</a></p><img src="https://images.english.elpais.com/resizer/v2/CM5NONM2IJHPLIMDKAA7EWIVPA.JPG?auth=e2473d185237af222776ed09aa39014451c62e354b976c22590fd6c5637a742c" width="4000" height="2667" alt="A woman picks up a pump to collect water in Petare, Caracas."></img><img src="https://images.english.elpais.com/resizer/v2/EY4FMUZIUBBJNNIZKAPHRK5H6Y.JPG?auth=50b16d01701103671ab1184d0d892908ac3b7976262590d58171b455d163ea5e" width="4000" height="2667" alt="David Rondón and Oscar Fonseca, partners of the Dos Puntos bar, in Caracas, on April 15."></img><img src="https://images.english.elpais.com/resizer/v2/MQXDS7UJERDT5G63CYGZAAJJ3E.JPG?auth=9f3a3454cc08ce5ec060dc02bb2c7c21461cdd65ad90c61d99475c52cde61167" width="4000" height="2667" alt="Damali Matos and her daughter Valeria, in the Petare neighborhood of Caracas, on April 11."></img> https://english.elpais.com/international/2026-04-24/the-caracas-marriott-the-hotel-where-the-future-of-venezuela-is-being-decided.html Fri, 24 Apr 2026 23:48:11 GMT https://english.elpais.com/international/2026-04-24/the-caracas-marriott-the-hotel-where-the-future-of-venezuela-is-being-decided.html María Martín The five-star pile is a daily showcase of American tutelage in the country The five-star pile is a daily showcase of American tutelage in the country Venezuela Delcy Rodríguez Nicolás Maduro María Corina Machado Marriott International Caracas Donald Trump Marriot MARRIOT Aerial view of the Marriott in Caracas. Aerial view of the Marriott in Caracas. <img src="https://images.english.elpais.com/resizer/v2/3GHSDLXUVJAWNNXPG7JQYF2MNQ.webp?auth=deed027fb23880a3cc8a925c5c49b74b7422abc570cb9b8c13bd1fcfd74524dc" width="1336" height="890" alt="Aerial view of the Marriott in Caracas."></img><p>At 8 a.m., the 20 Marines staying at the JW Marriott in Caracas go down for breakfast. It is a unique spectacle. They are between 30 and 40 years old and almost all of them sport a chevron mustache, Freddie-Mercury-style. The tattoos reach the elbow, sometimes the knees. Caps, shorts and T-shirts are emblazoned with slogans that sit oddly in Donald Trump’s war-mongering era. “No war team,” read one of them last week. </p><p><a href="https://english.elpais.com/international/2026-04-24/the-caracas-marriott-the-hotel-where-the-future-of-venezuela-is-being-decided.html" target="_blank">Seguir leyendo</a></p> https://english.elpais.com/international/2026-04-22/venezuela-prison-riot-leaves-five-inmates-dead.html Wed, 22 Apr 2026 09:58:48 GMT https://english.elpais.com/international/2026-04-22/venezuela-prison-riot-leaves-five-inmates-dead.html Florantonia Singer Since last weekend, family members and advocates had been denouncing irregularities at the Yare III prison on the outskirts of Caracas Since last weekend, family members and advocates had been denouncing irregularities at the Yare III prison on the outskirts of Caracas Venezuela Caracas Tren de Aragua Nicolás Maduro Delcy Rodríguez Especial Venezuela prison riot The Yare III penitentiary, in an archive image. The Yare III penitentiary, in an archive image. <p>The Venezuelan government has reported the deaths of five inmates during a riot Monday at Yare III prison, located in a town in the Tuy Valley, outside Caracas. The confirmation from the Ministry of Penitentiary Services came a day after the incident, following a weekend in which relatives and human rights advocates had denounced irregularities at the prison.</p><p><a href="https://english.elpais.com/international/2026-04-22/venezuela-prison-riot-leaves-five-inmates-dead.html" target="_blank">Seguir leyendo</a></p> https://english.elpais.com/economy-and-business/2026-04-15/the-easing-of-us-bank-sanctions-against-venezuela-gives-delcy-rodriguez-a-lifeline-amid-social-unrest.html Wed, 15 Apr 2026 08:48:32 GMT https://english.elpais.com/economy-and-business/2026-04-15/the-easing-of-us-bank-sanctions-against-venezuela-gives-delcy-rodriguez-a-lifeline-amid-social-unrest.html María Martín The measure will facilitate dollar transactions, but experts believe the obstacles won’t disappear entirely because the government itself remains under sanctions The measure will facilitate dollar transactions, but experts believe the obstacles won’t disappear entirely because the government itself remains under sanctions Delcy Rodríguez Venezuela Nicolás Maduro Donald Trump Caracas Palacio de Miraflores US bank sanctions against Venezuela Delcy Rodríguez at meeting with US delegates at the Miraflores Palace this Tuesday. Delcy Rodríguez at meeting with US delegates at the Miraflores Palace this Tuesday. <p>U.S. President Donald Trump on Tuesday threw a valuable lifeline to Delcy Rodríguez, Venezuela’s interim president. Bradley T. Smith, director of the Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC), signed two licenses that significantly ease the sanctions imposed on the Venezuelan financial system, providing a boost to the Caracas government’s efforts to <a href="https://english.elpais.com/international/2026-04-12/jorge-rodriguez-the-most-important-thing-in-venezuela-right-now-is-the-economy.html#?rel=mas" target="_self" rel="" title="https://english.elpais.com/international/2026-04-12/jorge-rodriguez-the-most-important-thing-in-venezuela-right-now-is-the-economy.html#?rel=mas">revive the country’s ailing economy</a>.</p><p><a href="https://english.elpais.com/economy-and-business/2026-04-15/the-easing-of-us-bank-sanctions-against-venezuela-gives-delcy-rodriguez-a-lifeline-amid-social-unrest.html" target="_blank">Seguir leyendo</a></p> https://english.elpais.com/international/2026-04-10/venezuela-approves-new-mining-law-to-open-its-subsoil-to-foreign-capital.html Fri, 10 Apr 2026 10:31:23 GMT https://english.elpais.com/international/2026-04-10/venezuela-approves-new-mining-law-to-open-its-subsoil-to-foreign-capital.html Florantonia Singer The Chavista-controlled parliament unanimously passes legislation that removes the State’s exclusive control over mineral exploitation The Chavista-controlled parliament unanimously passes legislation that removes the State’s exclusive control over mineral exploitation Venezuela Hugo Chávez Delcy Rodríguez Nicolás Maduro Caracas Donald Trump Ronald Peña R (EFE) Venezuela approves new mining law The mining law was approved in the National Congress of Venezuela this Thursday. The mining law was approved in the National Congress of Venezuela this Thursday. <p>The Venezuelan parliament, controlled by the Chavista regime, on Thursday approved a new mining law that—just as with the hydrocarbons law—<a href="https://english.elpais.com/international/2026-03-11/venezuela-opens-its-gold-and-gas-rich-subsoil-to-the-united-states.html" target="_self" rel="" title="https://english.elpais.com/international/2026-03-11/venezuela-opens-its-gold-and-gas-rich-subsoil-to-the-united-states.html">opens Venezuela’s mineral-rich subsoil to foreign capital</a>. The approval of this 131-article law, which repeals the one enacted by former Venezuelan leader Hugo Chávez in 2013, took several sessions and had been under debate for weeks. It finally passed unanimously on the same day that the new Attorney General and Ombudsman were elected.</p><p><a href="https://english.elpais.com/international/2026-04-10/venezuela-approves-new-mining-law-to-open-its-subsoil-to-foreign-capital.html" target="_blank">Seguir leyendo</a></p> https://english.elpais.com/international/2026-04-07/the-fight-over-venezuelan-assets-in-the-us-brings-chavismo-closer-to-the-opposition.html Tue, 07 Apr 2026 10:23:07 GMT https://english.elpais.com/international/2026-04-07/the-fight-over-venezuelan-assets-in-the-us-brings-chavismo-closer-to-the-opposition.html Florantonia Singer Lawyers representing the government and attorneys for the sector led by Juan Guaidó are working on a coordinated defense of the assets under threat of seizure Lawyers representing the government and attorneys for the sector led by Juan Guaidó are working on a coordinated defense of the assets under threat of seizure Venezuela Caracas Nicolás Maduro Delcy Rodríguez María Corina Machado Juan Guaidó Ailen Diaz (EFE) José Antonio Kast Juan Guaidó in Valparaíso (Chile), on March 11. Juan Guaidó in Valparaíso (Chile), on March 11. <p>A new legal development in a New York court reveals a possible collaboration between the lawyers representing the government of acting Venezuelan president Delcy Rodríguez and attorneys working for the opposition that controlled the National Assembly in 2015. The key is that these opposition members, represented by Juan Guaidó, took control of some of Venezuela’s assets in the United States in 2019, when Donald Trump was in his first term as U.S. president and did not recognize Nicolás Maduro during Venezuela’s presidential crisis of 2019-2023. Instead, <a href="https://english.elpais.com/opinion/2023-04-27/goodbye-guaido.html" target="_self" rel="" title="https://english.elpais.com/opinion/2023-04-27/goodbye-guaido.html">Guaidó was recognized</a> as interim president by 88 countries, <a href="https://trumpwhitehouse.archives.gov/briefings-statements/statement-president-donald-j-trump-recognizing-venezuelan-national-assembly-president-juan-guaido-interim-president-venezuela/" target="_self" rel="" title="https://trumpwhitehouse.archives.gov/briefings-statements/statement-president-donald-j-trump-recognizing-venezuelan-national-assembly-president-juan-guaido-interim-president-venezuela/">including the U.S.</a>, although this recognition was revoked in January 2023.</p><p><a href="https://english.elpais.com/international/2026-04-07/the-fight-over-venezuelan-assets-in-the-us-brings-chavismo-closer-to-the-opposition.html" target="_blank">Seguir leyendo</a></p> https://english.elpais.com/international/2026-04-01/spain-to-end-fast-track-path-to-legal-status-that-venezuelans-have-enjoyed-since-2018.html Wed, 01 Apr 2026 11:50:04 GMT https://english.elpais.com/international/2026-04-01/spain-to-end-fast-track-path-to-legal-status-that-venezuelans-have-enjoyed-since-2018.html María Martín Since the program began, Madrid has granted papers to approximately 240,000 members of this community on humanitarian grounds. But a surge in applications has collapsed the system Since the program began, Madrid has granted papers to approximately 240,000 members of this community on humanitarian grounds. But a surge in applications has collapsed the system Venezuela Madrid Pedro Sánchez Caracas Delcy Rodríguez Foto: Juan Barbosa Venezuela Venezuelans in Madrid showing support for presidential candidate Edmundo González in 2024. Venezuelans in Madrid showing support for presidential candidate Edmundo González in 2024. <p>In June, Spain will end a program that has allowed tens of thousands of Venezuelans to regularize their legal status almost automatically since 2018. The Spanish government will stop systematically <a href="https://english.elpais.com/spain/2025-06-17/the-employment-challenge-for-refugees-in-spain-im-no-longer-afraid-this-job-has-changed-my-life.html" target="_self" rel="" title="https://english.elpais.com/spain/2025-06-17/the-employment-challenge-for-refugees-in-spain-im-no-longer-afraid-this-job-has-changed-my-life.html">granting residence permits</a> on humanitarian grounds to this group, thereby terminating one of the most unique—and least debated—mechanisms of the Spanish asylum system. </p><p><a href="https://english.elpais.com/international/2026-04-01/spain-to-end-fast-track-path-to-legal-status-that-venezuelans-have-enjoyed-since-2018.html" target="_blank">Seguir leyendo</a></p> https://english.elpais.com/international/2026-04-01/the-delicate-balance-of-maria-corina-machado-in-trumps-washington.html Wed, 01 Apr 2026 11:49:48 GMT https://english.elpais.com/international/2026-04-01/the-delicate-balance-of-maria-corina-machado-in-trumps-washington.html María Martín ,Iker Seisdedos García The exiled opposition leader finds herself divided between those who prioritize stability in Venezuela and believe she could jeopardize it, and those who support a democratic transition with her at the helm The exiled opposition leader finds herself divided between those who prioritize stability in Venezuela and believe she could jeopardize it, and those who support a democratic transition with her at the helm María Corina Machado Donald Trump Caracas Delcy Rodríguez Venezuela Lenin Nolly (EFE) María Corina Machado se reunirá hoy con Marco Rubio en el Departamento de Estado de EE.UU. María Corina Machado arrives at the State Department headquarters in Washington. María Corina Machado arrives at the State Department headquarters in Washington. <p>Like something out of one of those experimental films from the 1970s that made excessive use of split-screen techniques, Venezuela’s interim president, Delcy Rodríguez, and opposition leader and Nobel Peace Prize laureate, María Corina Machado, spoke in the United States last week just hours apart. Rodríguez <a href="https://english.elpais.com/international/2026-03-26/skepticism-in-miami-over-delcy-rodriguezs-promises-of-legal-security-in-venezuela-we-have-to-wait-and-see-if-they-do-what-they-say.html" target="_self" rel="" title="https://english.elpais.com/international/2026-03-26/skepticism-in-miami-over-delcy-rodriguezs-promises-of-legal-security-in-venezuela-we-have-to-wait-and-see-if-they-do-what-they-say.html">spoke in Miami at an investment forum</a> sponsored by Saudi Arabia’s sovereign wealth fund, while Machado spoke in Houston at an influential global conference on the energy industry.</p><p><a href="https://english.elpais.com/international/2026-04-01/the-delicate-balance-of-maria-corina-machado-in-trumps-washington.html" target="_blank">Seguir leyendo</a></p> https://english.elpais.com/international/2026-03-30/a-witness-to-the-many-lives-of-nicolas-maduro.html Mon, 30 Mar 2026 16:22:16 GMT https://english.elpais.com/international/2026-03-30/a-witness-to-the-many-lives-of-nicolas-maduro.html Maye Primera I was a 23-year-old journalist when I met Maduro and Cilia Flores. Seeing them again in person during the hearing in Manhattan at almost 50, I was struck by the mixture of disbelief, loss and bitterness that has been building for a long time   I was a 23-year-old journalist when I met Maduro and Cilia Flores. Seeing them again in person during the hearing in Manhattan at almost 50, I was struck by the mixture of disbelief, loss and bitterness that has been building for a long time   Nicolás Maduro Venezuela Caracas Cilia Flores Henrique Capriles Gabriel Osorio VENEZUELA - ARCHIVO GABRIEL OSORIO 2002 Nicolás Maduro and Cilia Flores arriving at Miraflores Palace on the night of April 13, 2002, during an attempted coup. Nicolás Maduro and Cilia Flores arriving at Miraflores Palace on the night of April 13, 2002, during an attempted coup. <p>I would like to say that Nicolás Maduro is the only one who has aged. He has more gray in his hair than when he first stood in his prisoner’s suit before the Southern District of New York’s federal court almost three months ago, having been forcibly transported there by a U.S. military operation and accused of crimes related to drug trafficking, weapons possession and corruption. He puts on his reading glasses to examine documents and take notes <a href="https://english.elpais.com/usa/2026-03-26/venezuelas-ousted-leader-maduro-heads-back-to-new-york-court-for-key-hearing-in-narco-terrorism-case.html" target="_self" rel="" title="https://english.elpais.com/usa/2026-03-26/venezuelas-ousted-leader-maduro-heads-back-to-new-york-court-for-key-hearing-in-narco-terrorism-case.html">at the second hearing</a>, which focused on whether the U.S. should allow him to use Venezuelan funds to pay for his private defense.</p><p><a href="https://english.elpais.com/international/2026-03-30/a-witness-to-the-many-lives-of-nicolas-maduro.html" target="_blank">Seguir leyendo</a></p> https://english.elpais.com/opinion/2026-03-30/venezuela-21st-century-colonialism.html Mon, 30 Mar 2026 10:16:02 GMT https://english.elpais.com/opinion/2026-03-30/venezuela-21st-century-colonialism.html Luz Mely Reyes In addition to the experimentation with an authoritarian model that emerges from an act of external force, another element is added: Venezuela is emerging as the first corporate colony of the 21st century In addition to the experimentation with an authoritarian model that emerges from an act of external force, another element is added: Venezuela is emerging as the first corporate colony of the 21st century Venezuela Nicolás Maduro Donald Trump Caracas Delcy Rodríguez María Corina Machado Gaby Oraa (REUTERS) Aftermath of U.S. strikes in Venezuela Homes damaged by the US attack in Venezuela on January 4. Homes damaged by the US attack in Venezuela on January 4. <p>The immediate interpretation following Nicolás Maduro’s removal by an elite U.S. force was that there was no clarity as to whether a democratic transition was underway in Venezuela. Three months later, the emerging risk is different: the consolidation of an adaptive authoritarianism with global impact, a kind of 21st-century colonialism, a product—whether collateral or not—of the Trump administration’s <a href="https://english.elpais.com/usa/2026-01-12/donroe-doctrine-how-trump-is-enforcing-his-will.html" target="_self" rel="" title="https://english.elpais.com/usa/2026-01-12/donroe-doctrine-how-trump-is-enforcing-his-will.html">interpretation of the Monroe Doctrine.</a></p><p><a href="https://english.elpais.com/opinion/2026-03-30/venezuela-21st-century-colonialism.html" target="_blank">Seguir leyendo</a></p> https://english.elpais.com/economy-and-business/2026-03-27/venezuelas-economy-trapped-between-paralysis-and-inflation.html Fri, 27 Mar 2026 11:58:19 GMT https://english.elpais.com/economy-and-business/2026-03-27/venezuelas-economy-trapped-between-paralysis-and-inflation.html Alonso Moleiro Despite the easing of US sanctions to boost the oil sector, economic recovery has not yet materialized Despite the easing of US sanctions to boost the oil sector, economic recovery has not yet materialized Venezuela Caracas Donald Trump Washington D.C. GABY ORAA (EL PAÍS) Workers protest in Caracas, on March 23. Workers protest in Caracas, on March 23. <img src="https://images.english.elpais.com/resizer/v2/W7J7TTQ3JBB5XDYSYDLKMV6LTA.jpg?auth=cf46bbfe8e7591a84f6092b53c9db2692eebcfccb3b897d7234f829366ba0825" width="6000" height="4000" alt="Workers protest in Caracas, on March 23."></img><p>The economy in Venezuela is not improving. <a href="https://english.elpais.com/economy-and-business/2026-01-22/us-military-intervention-boosts-venezuelas-economic-forecasts.html" target="_self" rel="" title="https://english.elpais.com/economy-and-business/2026-01-22/us-military-intervention-boosts-venezuelas-economic-forecasts.html">Everyone hopes it will</a>, but the benefits are not materializing. Prices continue to climb, and the country’s annualized inflation — the highest in the world — averages 600%. One only needs to look at the behavior of the bolívar, the local currency, to understand the severity of the situation. So far this year, it has lost nearly 20% of its value against the dollar. In January, the official dollar was worth 367 bolívares; today it stands at 450 (and the so-called “parallel dollar,” which has a huge influence on price formation, can reach as high as 650). The currency has devalued by more than 9,000% since 2022.</p><p><a href="https://english.elpais.com/economy-and-business/2026-03-27/venezuelas-economy-trapped-between-paralysis-and-inflation.html" target="_blank">Seguir leyendo</a></p><img src="https://images.english.elpais.com/resizer/v2/FRXRYOVVQJH5BATNCEM2P2EF7U.jpg?auth=0b3c69c6bb40e55fe97922518f460f23142011c9d290c26286756f8b67c153d7" width="6000" height="4000" alt="Protest for higher wages, better pensions and the restoration of labor rights in Caracas, March 23."></img><img src="https://images.english.elpais.com/resizer/v2/FIEJU5TK65FVJCO6ILE64UYRUE.jpg?auth=7f0713d96ed19eb28390a5ae8b9f3a23f82662634abccdb9b8ea896c69464d14" width="6000" height="4000" alt="Protest to demand higher wages, in Caracas, on March 23."></img> https://english.elpais.com/usa/2026-03-26/judge-refuses-to-dismiss-narcoterrorism-case-against-nicolas-maduro-and-his-wife.html Thu, 26 Mar 2026 18:58:06 GMT https://english.elpais.com/usa/2026-03-26/judge-refuses-to-dismiss-narcoterrorism-case-against-nicolas-maduro-and-his-wife.html María Antonia Sánchez-Vallejo Cobo Venezuela’s deposed president and Cilia Flores appeared for the second time in a New York federal court on Thursday Venezuela’s deposed president and Cilia Flores appeared for the second time in a New York federal court on Thursday Nicolás Maduro Diosdado Cabello Caracas Cilia Flores Tren de Aragua Jane Rosenberg (REUTERS) Nicolas Maduro and Cilia Flores in court in New York, March 26. Nicolas Maduro and Cilia Flores in court in New York, March 26. <p>Nicolás Maduro, ousted from power in Venezuela on January 3 by a U.S. military intervention, and his wife, <a href="https://english.elpais.com/international/2026-01-05/cilia-flores-the-power-behind-the-venezuelan-throne.html" target="_self" rel="" title="https://english.elpais.com/international/2026-01-05/cilia-flores-the-power-behind-the-venezuelan-throne.html">Cilia Flores</a>, returned to the federal court in the Southern District of New York on Thursday. The judge presiding over the case, <a href="https://english.elpais.com/usa/2026-01-05/alvin-hellerstein-a-92-year-old-judge-appointed-by-bill-clinton-to-preside-over-maduros-trial-in-new-york.html" target="_self" rel="" title="https://english.elpais.com/usa/2026-01-05/alvin-hellerstein-a-92-year-old-judge-appointed-by-bill-clinton-to-preside-over-maduros-trial-in-new-york.html">92-year-old Alvin Hellerstein</a>, rejected the defense’s request to dismiss the case during the hearing.</p><p><a href="https://english.elpais.com/usa/2026-03-26/judge-refuses-to-dismiss-narcoterrorism-case-against-nicolas-maduro-and-his-wife.html" target="_blank">Seguir leyendo</a></p> https://english.elpais.com/international/2026-03-26/skepticism-in-miami-over-delcy-rodriguezs-promises-of-legal-security-in-venezuela-we-have-to-wait-and-see-if-they-do-what-they-say.html Thu, 26 Mar 2026 09:40:40 GMT https://english.elpais.com/international/2026-03-26/skepticism-in-miami-over-delcy-rodriguezs-promises-of-legal-security-in-venezuela-we-have-to-wait-and-see-if-they-do-what-they-say.html Jesús-Sérvulo González Moreno Business leaders and investment funds participating in the global forum where the Trump-backed leader spoke believe it is still too early to assess the changes in the Latin American country Business leaders and investment funds participating in the global forum where the Trump-backed leader spoke believe it is still too early to assess the changes in the Latin American country Venezuela Delcy Rodríguez Diosdado Cabello Caracas Nicolás Maduro María Corina Machado Alberto Boal (EFE) Delcy Rodríguez’s promises Delcy Rodríguez during a videoconference at the FII Priority forum in Miami this Wednesday. Delcy Rodríguez during a videoconference at the FII Priority forum in Miami this Wednesday. <p>Investors are generally skeptical about Venezuela’s economic opening, touted by interim president Delcy Rodríguez, who promises legal security to foreign businesses to encourage their return to the country. The Latin American leader, who was Nicolás Maduro’s right-hand aide, came to power after the military operation carried out by Washington last January <a href="https://english.elpais.com/usa/2026-03-26/venezuelas-ousted-leader-maduro-heads-back-to-new-york-court-for-key-hearing-in-narco-terrorism-case.html" target="_self" rel="" title="https://english.elpais.com/usa/2026-03-26/venezuelas-ousted-leader-maduro-heads-back-to-new-york-court-for-key-hearing-in-narco-terrorism-case.html">to capture the Chavista leader</a>.</p><p><a href="https://english.elpais.com/international/2026-03-26/skepticism-in-miami-over-delcy-rodriguezs-promises-of-legal-security-in-venezuela-we-have-to-wait-and-see-if-they-do-what-they-say.html" target="_blank">Seguir leyendo</a></p> https://english.elpais.com/international/2026-03-25/venezuela-activates-an-electricity-saving-plan-to-reverse-blackouts.html Wed, 25 Mar 2026 12:46:58 GMT https://english.elpais.com/international/2026-03-25/venezuela-activates-an-electricity-saving-plan-to-reverse-blackouts.html Florantonia Singer The government is asking Venezuelans to reduce consumption due to the impact of the dry season on hydroelectric plants The government is asking Venezuelans to reduce consumption due to the impact of the dry season on hydroelectric plants Venezuela Caracas Delcy Rodríguez Nicolás Maduro Pdvsa Leonardo Fernandez Viloria (REUTERS) Venezuela electricity saving plan Blackout in Venezuela in a file photo. Blackout in Venezuela in a file photo. <p>The blackouts arrived long before the energy-saving plan announced by acting president Delcy Rodríguez last weekend. Reports of power dips are flooding social media. On Monday afternoon, users across the country wrote “bajoooon” or “bajoneitor” (a power outage as powerful as Terminator), the Venezuelan way of humorously addressing the precarious situation. <a href="https://english.elpais.com/international/2023-09-24/caracas-the-ordeal-of-living-in-a-city-with-failed-public-services.html" target="_self" rel="" title="https://english.elpais.com/international/2023-09-24/caracas-the-ordeal-of-living-in-a-city-with-failed-public-services.html">The energy crisis</a> that has plagued Venezuela for years continues to leave much of the country’s western states, such as Zulia, Falcón, Lara, Trujillo, Mérida, and Táchira with power cuts of up to eight hours a day.</p><p><a href="https://english.elpais.com/international/2026-03-25/venezuela-activates-an-electricity-saving-plan-to-reverse-blackouts.html" target="_blank">Seguir leyendo</a></p> https://english.elpais.com/international/2026-03-25/leopoldo-lopez-there-is-still-no-clarity-on-the-political-transition-in-venezuela.html Wed, 25 Mar 2026 12:20:06 GMT https://english.elpais.com/international/2026-03-25/leopoldo-lopez-there-is-still-no-clarity-on-the-political-transition-in-venezuela.html Francesco Manetto The opposition leader, now living in exile in Spain, insists that the priority must be demanding elections. He would like to return ‘as soon as possible,’ but states that the conditions are not yet right The opposition leader, now living in exile in Spain, insists that the priority must be demanding elections. He would like to return ‘as soon as possible,’ but states that the conditions are not yet right Venezuela Leopoldo López María Corina Machado Delcy Rodríguez Nicolás Maduro Caracas MOEH ATITAR (EL PAÍS) Leopoldo López Leopoldo López, last Friday at the headquarters of EL PAÍS. Leopoldo López, last Friday at the headquarters of EL PAÍS. <img src="https://images.english.elpais.com/resizer/v2/XXFRN2VXOJEMFPJ2KV3AXSNVXU.jpg?auth=8db0e7ba27173d223a7e0d7e0f7f4b5b865bdf986d92d5f54ed694a9409a4970" width="4000" height="2668" alt="Leopoldo López, last Friday at the headquarters of EL PAÍS."></img><p>When Leopoldo López, 54, was being held in Ramo Verde prison, he had a recurring fantasy. “At some point, this dungeon should be turned into a museum of memory,” recalls the Venezuelan opposition leader, who spent more than three years in there, accused of inciting the 2014 protests against the government of Nicolás Maduro. More than a decade later, he believes that moment is approaching, although <a href="https://english.elpais.com/international/2026-03-23/venezuela-forgets-about-maduro-and-starts-down-an-irreversible-path.html" target="_self" rel="" title="https://english.elpais.com/international/2026-03-23/venezuela-forgets-about-maduro-and-starts-down-an-irreversible-path.html">the transition process</a> that began on January 3 with the capture of Nicolás Maduro is still in its early stages.</p><p><a href="https://english.elpais.com/international/2026-03-25/leopoldo-lopez-there-is-still-no-clarity-on-the-political-transition-in-venezuela.html" target="_blank">Seguir leyendo</a></p><img src="https://images.english.elpais.com/resizer/v2/UG3EEADYPNFZFOO4LDUSG7GCEQ.jpg?auth=9ce760abc1334556597b50b4b931f5bda4617591a87f410059a912ac31113c72" width="4000" height="2668" alt="Leopoldo López."></img> https://english.elpais.com/international/2026-03-23/venezuela-forgets-about-maduro-and-starts-down-an-irreversible-path.html Mon, 23 Mar 2026 14:41:02 GMT https://english.elpais.com/international/2026-03-23/venezuela-forgets-about-maduro-and-starts-down-an-irreversible-path.html María Martín The country is trying to turn the page while Venezuelans take to the streets to gauge the true openness of Delcy Rodríguez’s government The country is trying to turn the page while Venezuelans take to the streets to gauge the true openness of Delcy Rodríguez’s government Venezuela Nicolás Maduro Donald Trump Caracas Delcy Rodríguez Ronald Peña R (EFE) Delcy Rodríguez denuncia que hubo un intento de "parar el transporte" en Caracas Streets of Caracas during the transportation strike, on March 16. Streets of Caracas during the transportation strike, on March 16. <p>Screenwriter Gaba Agudo Adriani was using GPS to find a friend’s house in Caracas when she ended up on a street blocked off by police and checkpoints. It took her several seconds to realize not only that Delcy Rodríguez lives there, but <a href="https://english.elpais.com/international/2026-01-08/delcy-rodriguez-surrounds-herself-with-political-hardliners-but-bows-to-the-us-economically.html" target="_self" rel="" title="https://english.elpais.com/international/2026-01-08/delcy-rodriguez-surrounds-herself-with-political-hardliners-but-bows-to-the-us-economically.html">who Delcy Rodríguez is</a> now. That moment of bewilderment perfectly encapsulates a common feeling about the country’s new reality. After years trapped waiting for change, Venezuela has entered a new phase without its citizens fully understanding where they stand. Reality shifted abruptly, but remains shrouded in a mixture of optimism and uncertainty. Something has changed: the difficult part is defining how much, in what direction, and for how long. Although it does seem irreversible.</p><p><a href="https://english.elpais.com/international/2026-03-23/venezuela-forgets-about-maduro-and-starts-down-an-irreversible-path.html" target="_blank">Seguir leyendo</a></p>