Feed MRSS-S hugo_chavez_a, english.elpais.com en-us https://english.elpais.com Thu, 19 Feb 2026 10:25:28 GMT https://english.elpais.com/international/2026-02-19/in-venezuela-chavismo-is-retreating-but-it-is-not-withdrawing.html Thu, 19 Feb 2026 10:25:28 GMT https://english.elpais.com/international/2026-02-19/in-venezuela-chavismo-is-retreating-but-it-is-not-withdrawing.html Alonso Moleiro A month and a half after the US attack, the Bolivarian Revolution is testing a flexible opening and working on consensus to improve the economy A month and a half after the US attack, the Bolivarian Revolution is testing a flexible opening and working on consensus to improve the economy Venezuela Chavismo Nicolás Maduro María Corina Machado Delcy Rodríguez Diosdado Cabello Donald Trump Hugo Chávez Cilia Flores Miguel Gutiérrez (EFE) Chavismo Protest by government supporters in Caracas, Venezuela, on January 7. Protest by government supporters in Caracas, Venezuela, on January 7. <p>Faced with the most serious threat to its continuity in 27 years, the Chavista regime is retreating to survive. The <a href="https://english.elpais.com/international/2026-02-03/the-month-that-changed-venezuela-from-the-us-attack-and-maduros-capture-to-amnesty-for-political-prisoners.html" target="_self" rel="" title="https://english.elpais.com/international/2026-02-03/the-month-that-changed-venezuela-from-the-us-attack-and-maduros-capture-to-amnesty-for-political-prisoners.html">U.S. military attack</a> on January 3 caused an internal upheaval within the ruling party and opened a phase of uncertainty whose moral and psychological effects remain to be seen.</p><p><a href="https://english.elpais.com/international/2026-02-19/in-venezuela-chavismo-is-retreating-but-it-is-not-withdrawing.html" target="_blank">Seguir leyendo</a></p> https://english.elpais.com/international/2026-02-05/javier-corrales-chavismo-believes-its-possible-to-coexist-with-the-united-states-without-ceasing-to-be-authoritarian.html Thu, 05 Feb 2026 15:34:44 GMT https://english.elpais.com/international/2026-02-05/javier-corrales-chavismo-believes-its-possible-to-coexist-with-the-united-states-without-ceasing-to-be-authoritarian.html Boris Muñoz The author and expert on the Bolivarian Revolution warns that the Venezuelan opposition must strongly denounce its exclusion or the country will risk remaining ‘a dictatorship’ The author and expert on the Bolivarian Revolution warns that the Venezuelan opposition must strongly denounce its exclusion or the country will risk remaining ‘a dictatorship’ Venezuela Nicolás Maduro Delcy Rodríguez Caracas Hugo Chávez Chavismo María Corina Machado Donald Trump Marcos Pérez Jiménez Diosdado Cabello Vietnam Cuba Fidel Castro Edmundo González Urrutia Editorial Dahbar Javier Corrales in an undated photograph. Javier Corrales in an undated photograph. <p>The <a href="https://english.elpais.com/international/2026-01-03/nicolas-maduro-the-autocrat-of-an-isolated-regime-who-had-no-intention-of-surrendering.html" target="_self" rel="" title="https://english.elpais.com/international/2026-01-03/nicolas-maduro-the-autocrat-of-an-isolated-regime-who-had-no-intention-of-surrendering.html">removal of Nicolás Maduro</a> from the presidency by <a href="https://english.elpais.com/usa/2026-01-03/delta-force-the-elite-us-military-unit-that-captured-maduro.html" target="_self" rel="" title="https://english.elpais.com/usa/2026-01-03/delta-force-the-elite-us-military-unit-that-captured-maduro.html">U.S. Delta Force soldiers</a> compelled the small global community of Venezuela experts to almost immediately reassess the new power map. Few are better equipped to do so than Javier Corrales (born in Puerto Rico 59 years ago to Cuban parents in exile), who has been studying the DNA of the Bolivarian Revolution for more than two decades. In 2006, he published the now-canonical article “Hugo Boss” in <a href="https://foreignpolicy.com/2006/02/19/hugo-boss/" target="_blank" rel="nofollow" title="https://foreignpolicy.com/2006/02/19/hugo-boss/"><i>Foreign Policy</i></a>, in which he identified the key characteristics of Hugo Chávez as a singular and effective autocrat. There, he also anticipated the logic of gradual autocratization, one of the main contemporary enemies of democracy in the world, including in the United States. Since then, Corrales has offered some of the most insightful analyses explaining the mutations of Chavismo under Chávez and Maduro.</p><p><a href="https://english.elpais.com/international/2026-02-05/javier-corrales-chavismo-believes-its-possible-to-coexist-with-the-united-states-without-ceasing-to-be-authoritarian.html" target="_blank">Seguir leyendo</a></p> https://english.elpais.com/international/2026-02-03/the-month-that-changed-venezuela-from-the-us-attack-and-maduros-capture-to-amnesty-for-political-prisoners.html Tue, 03 Feb 2026 10:04:55 GMT https://english.elpais.com/international/2026-02-03/the-month-that-changed-venezuela-from-the-us-attack-and-maduros-capture-to-amnesty-for-political-prisoners.html Florantonia Singer,María Martín The Trump administration’s military intervention on January 3 has become a catalyst for the new climate reigning in Caracas, enabling demands that until a few weeks ago were unthinkable The Trump administration’s military intervention on January 3 has become a catalyst for the new climate reigning in Caracas, enabling demands that until a few weeks ago were unthinkable Venezuela Caracas Donald Trump Nicolás Maduro Delcy Rodríguez María Corina Machado Chavismo Hugo Chávez Diosdado Cabello Cilia Flores Marco Rubio Ronald Peña R (EFE) Women participate in a pro-Chavista march in Caracas, January 6. Women participate in a pro-Chavista march in Caracas, January 6. <p>A dizzying month is coming to a close in Venezuela. Since the early hours of January 3, events have unfolded at an unprecedented speed: a surgical military attack by <a href="https://english.elpais.com/usa/2026-01-03/delta-force-the-elite-us-military-unit-that-captured-maduro.html" target="_self" rel="" title="https://english.elpais.com/usa/2026-01-03/delta-force-the-elite-us-military-unit-that-captured-maduro.html">U.S. special forces</a>, Chavismo stripped of its leader, a regime that cooperates with the enemy, some signs of openness, the <a href="https://english.elpais.com/international/2026-01-30/venezuela-gives-the-green-light-for-foreign-capital-to-enter-the-oil-sector.html" target="_self" rel="" title="https://english.elpais.com/international/2026-01-30/venezuela-gives-the-green-light-for-foreign-capital-to-enter-the-oil-sector.html">redefinition of the oil market</a>, and finally, an unexpected gesture: a <a href="https://english.elpais.com/international/2026-02-02/amnesty-bill-for-political-prisoners-breaks-years-of-chavista-repression-in-venezuela.html" target="_self" rel="" title="https://english.elpais.com/international/2026-02-02/amnesty-bill-for-political-prisoners-breaks-years-of-chavista-repression-in-venezuela.html">general amnesty for all political prisoners</a>, the first explicit acknowledgment that the cycle of political violence must end to open another possible horizon. </p><p><a href="https://english.elpais.com/international/2026-02-03/the-month-that-changed-venezuela-from-the-us-attack-and-maduros-capture-to-amnesty-for-political-prisoners.html" target="_blank">Seguir leyendo</a></p> https://english.elpais.com/international/2026-02-02/amnesty-bill-for-political-prisoners-breaks-years-of-chavista-repression-in-venezuela.html Mon, 02 Feb 2026 09:13:30 GMT https://english.elpais.com/international/2026-02-02/amnesty-bill-for-political-prisoners-breaks-years-of-chavista-repression-in-venezuela.html Alonso Moleiro The announcement of the release marks a turning point for the regime, which is retreating for the first time after years of radicalization The announcement of the release marks a turning point for the regime, which is retreating for the first time after years of radicalization Venezuela Nicolás Maduro Delcy Rodríguez Diosdado Cabello Donald Trump Hugo Chávez Jesus Vargas (Getty Images) VENEZUELA - FAMILIAS PRESOS POLÍTICOS - EP Protest for the release of political prisoners, in Caracas, on January 17. Protest for the release of political prisoners, in Caracas, on January 17. <p>The general amnesty for all political prisoners announced on Friday by Venezuela’s acting president, Delcy Rodríguez, fulfills one of the most deeply felt aspirations of Venezuelan society. It also marks <a href="https://english.elpais.com/international/2026-02-01/henrique-capriles-venezuelans-will-not-settle-for-just-a-reshuffling-of-power.html" target="_self" rel="" title="https://english.elpais.com/international/2026-02-01/henrique-capriles-venezuelans-will-not-settle-for-just-a-reshuffling-of-power.html">a sharp shift</a> in the relationship between the Bolivarian Revolution and its adversaries over the last years. The decision, which has surprised observers both inside and outside Venezuela, appears to be the culmination of a series of official announcements aimed at loosening Chavismo’s grip on the country and its enemies. For the first time in a long time, the regime is retreating after years of radicalization.</p><p><a href="https://english.elpais.com/international/2026-02-02/amnesty-bill-for-political-prisoners-breaks-years-of-chavista-repression-in-venezuela.html" target="_blank">Seguir leyendo</a></p> https://english.elpais.com/international/2026-01-29/latin-america-seeks-its-own-voice-in-a-turbulent-world.html Thu, 29 Jan 2026 12:35:17 GMT https://english.elpais.com/international/2026-01-29/latin-america-seeks-its-own-voice-in-a-turbulent-world.html Federico Rivas Molina The Latin America and Caribbean International Economic Forum 2026, organized by CAF in collaboration with Grupo Prisa, brings together seven heads of state in an informal ‘Latin American Davos’ The Latin America and Caribbean International Economic Forum 2026, organized by CAF in collaboration with Grupo Prisa, brings together seven heads of state in an informal ‘Latin American Davos’ Donald Trump Grupo Prisa El País Lula da Silva Celac Gustavo Petro Nicolás Maduro Hugo Chávez Néstor Kirchner George W. Bush José Raúl Mulino Daniel Noboa José Antonio Kast Evo Morales Rodrigo Paz Pereira Bernardo Arévalo Jan Martínez Ahrens CAF Inauguración del Foro Económico Internacional América Latina y el Caribe 2026 Bernardo Arévalo, Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva, José Raúl Mulino, Sergio Díaz-Granados, Rodrigo Paz, Daniel Noboa y Andrew Holness, en Panamá. CAF Bernardo Arévalo, Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva, José Raúl Mulino, Sergio Díaz-Granados, Rodrigo Paz, Daniel Noboa y Andrew Holness, en Panamá. CAF <p>You have to go back to September 2017 to find seven Latin American heads of state gathered in the same place. And it was away from home, during the UN General Assembly in New York. <a href="https://english.elpais.com/international/2026-01-27/global-opposition-to-trump-gains-momentum.html" target="_self" rel="" title="https://english.elpais.com/international/2026-01-27/global-opposition-to-trump-gains-momentum.html">Donald Trump</a> had been in the White House for nine months, at the helm of a presidency that at that time barely hinted at what was to come. Eight years have passed, Trump is back in power for a second term, and the world is in turmoil. The far right is gaining ground in the region, left-wing governments are struggling to survive the trade war and Trump’s military threat (<a href="https://english.elpais.com/usa/2026-01-05/venezuela-is-foreshadowing-the-new-world-order-that-trump-wants-to-impose.html" target="_self" rel="" title="https://english.elpais.com/usa/2026-01-05/venezuela-is-foreshadowing-the-new-world-order-that-trump-wants-to-impose.html">he has already intervened in Venezuela</a>), and the rules that governed the world since the <a href="https://english.elpais.com/international/2025-05-08/80th-anniversary-of-the-end-of-world-war-ii-how-does-a-country-fall-into-the-abyss-of-hatred.html" target="_self" rel="" title="https://english.elpais.com/international/2025-05-08/80th-anniversary-of-the-end-of-world-war-ii-how-does-a-country-fall-into-the-abyss-of-hatred.html">end of World War II</a> have been torn up. This scenario gives an idea of ​​the geopolitical dimension of the Latin America and Caribbean International Economic Forum 2026, which began Wednesday in Panama, organized by CAF — Development Bank of Latin America and the Caribbean with the support of Grupo Prisa (publisher of EL PAÍS) through the <a href="https://english.elpais.com/economy-and-business/2024-10-14/world-in-progress-a-forum-to-understand-and-improve-a-rapidly-changing-world.html" target="_self" rel="" title="https://english.elpais.com/economy-and-business/2024-10-14/world-in-progress-a-forum-to-understand-and-improve-a-rapidly-changing-world.html">World in Progress (WIP) forum</a>. A meeting primarily intended to strengthen trade ties has transformed into a highly political, multilateral regional summit — a much-needed Latin American Davos. Seven heads of state, a president-elect, and 6,000 guests discussed Latin America’s role in the new world.</p><img src="https://images.english.elpais.com/resizer/v2/DZ2MWWFZNVBCPKPLQKN5TPFCU4.jpg?auth=82846a4c127dcd68614fd487620b6e829dcfb37b452ed52cc3d417ef373f76c9" width="5276" height="3517" alt="Speech by Sergio Díaz Granados, Executive President of CAF."></img><p><a href="https://english.elpais.com/international/2026-01-29/latin-america-seeks-its-own-voice-in-a-turbulent-world.html" target="_blank">Seguir leyendo</a></p><img src="https://images.english.elpais.com/resizer/v2/LG3NZGL6MVEKLGL3GQZPAVG4WQ.jpg?auth=cd55b65d29ad62783c4e6f7c67fd911880e806a03232bec1fda9de48c85f4099" width="3994" height="2663" alt="President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva."></img><img src="https://images.english.elpais.com/resizer/v2/732IMNAIJ5BVDFRLAOHJ2Y76AM.jpg?auth=cc35252dcca76cf6810d1ebb0a8c7fc80b9e0582abdf05d2b87271505c48b530" width="4535" height="3023" alt="President of Panama José Raúl Mulino. "></img><img src="https://images.english.elpais.com/resizer/v2/OLVBMDYJUBGB5PM7HZZXOJ27KI.jpg?auth=0c2e4fab0483fe270644bd4aaa97349f5d75dd3cab0b96f7db6ae72982248eec" width="4412" height="2941" alt="Colombian President Gustavo Petro."></img> https://english.elpais.com/international/2026-01-26/from-the-bay-of-pigs-to-the-capture-of-maduro-over-half-a-century-of-waiting-for-the-fall-of-castroism.html Mon, 26 Jan 2026 14:53:45 GMT https://english.elpais.com/international/2026-01-26/from-the-bay-of-pigs-to-the-capture-of-maduro-over-half-a-century-of-waiting-for-the-fall-of-castroism.html Carla Gloria Colomé Since 1960, Cuban exiles have been hoping to return to their homeland under a change of government. Some believe that now is the moment that outcome has been closest Since 1960, Cuban exiles have been hoping to return to their homeland under a change of government. Some believe that now is the moment that outcome has been closest Cuba Nicolás Maduro CIA Fidel Castro Miami John Fitzgerald Kennedy Venezuela Marco Rubio Hugo Chávez Sovfoto (Getty Images) A Cuban militia anti-aircraft unit at the Bay of Pigs, April 24, 1961. A Cuban militia anti-aircraft unit at the Bay of Pigs, April 24, 1961. <p>The players at Domino Park must abide by certain rules that have been respected for years: speak softly, don’t carry alcoholic beverages, don’t arrive in flip-flops, and be a Miami resident no younger than 55. No one can explain why that’s the age limit, but it offers certain internal guarantees to the players: they won’t sit with novices or enthusiastic tourists visiting Calle Ocho, the heart of the disapora in Miami, to admire the nostalgic murals of Cuban exile, but rather be able to play one-on-one with their own kind, those who know Little Havana, people who left Cuba and helped build a city on “the swamp that was Miami,” who spend long hours thinking about what a return would be like and who never stop talking about politics. During a strange, cold January afternoon, almost a month after Nicolás Maduro’s capture, the players at the table wondered at what stage the <a href="https://english.elpais.com/international/2025-07-19/my-return-to-a-cuba-i-no-longer-recognize.html" target="_self" rel="" title="https://english.elpais.com/international/2025-07-19/my-return-to-a-cuba-i-no-longer-recognize.html">Cuban regime</a> had come closest to disappearing.</p><p><a href="https://english.elpais.com/international/2026-01-26/from-the-bay-of-pigs-to-the-capture-of-maduro-over-half-a-century-of-waiting-for-the-fall-of-castroism.html" target="_blank">Seguir leyendo</a></p><img src="https://images.english.elpais.com/resizer/v2/4ZY4UOZGJVDDDMNI5CI4QQRJ7M.JPG?auth=9a54c1156a7baab65d18e09c3750c18f8b977d465ebc9ab89fb0c40c79862b25" width="5569" height="3712" alt="Flavio César Crombet and Raimundo Escarrás at Domino Park."></img><img src="https://images.english.elpais.com/resizer/v2/LBDUAXPBNRGFTLTC6VTCGKURE4.JPG?auth=0b616808327f92c7feabfa4b4ee0e6d64e541e20dfdc75fdde37d0e08bc1a331" width="3611" height="2408" alt="Tony Costa, in an undated photograph."></img><img src="https://images.english.elpais.com/resizer/v2/QWQ5IYQCMBCDJJ24CUFEMYLGWQ.jpeg?auth=13c3bb3ceea5fc294f74430759ffa72c7ecd5914ca5add16305889d58b6430d8" width="1668" height="1112" alt="Arnaldo Iglesias in an undated photograph."></img> https://english.elpais.com/international/2026-01-24/venezuela-attempts-a-forced-normality-after-maduros-capture.html Sat, 24 Jan 2026 04:00:00 GMT https://english.elpais.com/international/2026-01-24/venezuela-attempts-a-forced-normality-after-maduros-capture.html Alonso Moleiro Following the US operation, the country is holding its breath. In the meantime, daily life is returning to normal Following the US operation, the country is holding its breath. In the meantime, daily life is returning to normal Venezuela Caracas Nicolás Maduro María Corina Machado Hugo Chávez Delcy Rodríguez Vladimir Padrino López Matias Delacroix (AP) Venezuela Daily Life Street market in Caracas, January 11. Street market in Caracas, January 11. <p>On Monday, January 12, just over a week after the U.S. military operation that arrested <a href="https://english.elpais.com/international/2026-01-12/maduro-faces-a-legal-ordeal-while-he-waits-in-the-prison-known-as-hell-on-earth.html" target="_self" rel="" title="https://english.elpais.com/international/2026-01-12/maduro-faces-a-legal-ordeal-while-he-waits-in-the-prison-known-as-hell-on-earth.html">Nicolás Maduro</a> and shook Caracas, Venezuelan children returned to school after the Christmas break. What happened in the <a href="https://english.elpais.com/international/2026-01-03/trump-says-maduro-has-been-captured-and-flown-out-of-venezuela.html" target="_self" rel="" title="https://english.elpais.com/international/2026-01-03/trump-says-maduro-has-been-captured-and-flown-out-of-venezuela.html">early hours of January 3</a> wasn’t discussed much in the classrooms, but it has been a recurring topic of conversation during recess. Venezuelan teenagers are already aware that they can get into trouble for speaking out: in recent months, several have been imprisoned on terrorism charges.</p><p><a href="https://english.elpais.com/international/2026-01-24/venezuela-attempts-a-forced-normality-after-maduros-capture.html" target="_blank">Seguir leyendo</a></p> https://english.elpais.com/economy-and-business/2026-01-23/chavismo-opens-up-to-privatization-of-venezuelas-oil-with-hydrocarbons-law-reform.html Fri, 23 Jan 2026 19:26:20 GMT https://english.elpais.com/economy-and-business/2026-01-23/chavismo-opens-up-to-privatization-of-venezuelas-oil-with-hydrocarbons-law-reform.html Florantonia Singer The proposal was approved by the National Assembly in first of two discussions, while the opposition calls foul on lack of debate The proposal was approved by the National Assembly in first of two discussions, while the opposition calls foul on lack of debate Venezuela Nicolás Maduro Cilia Flores Henrique Capriles Donald Trump Hugo Chávez Exxon Mobil Delcy Rodríguez Matias Delacroix (AP) A boy stands on a fishing boat with the Cardón refinery in the background, Venezuela, January 14. A boy stands on a fishing boat with the Cardón refinery in the background, Venezuela, January 14. <p>The <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">future of the economy in a Venezuela without Nicolás Maduro</a> depends on legal reforms that the Chavista government is quickly initiating. Debate on reforms to the hydrocarbons law began Thursday at the National Assembly, a first step towards allowing foreign capital to take part in the exploitation and commercialization of Venezuelan oil, under the watch of the United States. It marks the beginning of a new period of détente, leveraged by the oil business, which Washington negotiated with the Venezuelan government following its military attack and capture of Maduro 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>, on January 3.</p><p><a href="https://english.elpais.com/economy-and-business/2026-01-23/chavismo-opens-up-to-privatization-of-venezuelas-oil-with-hydrocarbons-law-reform.html" target="_blank">Seguir leyendo</a></p> https://english.elpais.com/international/2026-01-21/juan-barreto-those-in-power-in-venezuela-must-take-the-first-steps-toward-a-national-agreement.html Wed, 21 Jan 2026 12:03:37 GMT https://english.elpais.com/international/2026-01-21/juan-barreto-those-in-power-in-venezuela-must-take-the-first-steps-toward-a-national-agreement.html Florantonia Singer The Chavista politician, estranged from the government, asserts that the country is caught between redemocratization and the loss of its sovereignty The Chavista politician, estranged from the government, asserts that the country is caught between redemocratization and the loss of its sovereignty Venezuela Nicolás Maduro Cilia Flores Hugo Chávez Delcy Rodríguez Juan Barreto Alfredo Lasry (EL PAÍS) Juan Barreto Juan Barreto in Caracas on August 2, 2024. Juan Barreto in Caracas on August 2, 2024. <img src="https://images.english.elpais.com/resizer/v2/XRVUR63EOJC4VOLMQ5CRLTOPMI.jpg?auth=50578ecfb13e958bd5ed2676ed058fabe97f7816fc2cfe0edfe837e4f4a00524" width="8256" height="5504" alt="Juan Barreto in Caracas on August 2, 2024."></img><p>On January 3, former Chavista deputy Juan Barreto spent the day in darkness. After a powerful explosion, the neighborhood where he lives in Caracas was left without electricity, as frequently happens due to the deterioration of public services. Like many Caracas residents, he also heard the metallic drone of airplanes. “It was like a pressure cooker, with very high-pitched cicadas and crickets hitting your ears. There was a smell of smoke, on a very clear night, with a very clear sky and a full moon,” he recalls of that early morning that <a href="https://english.elpais.com/usa/2026-01-04/us-attacks-on-venezuela-the-world-becomes-an-even-more-dangerous-place.html" target="_self" rel="" title="https://english.elpais.com/usa/2026-01-04/us-attacks-on-venezuela-the-world-becomes-an-even-more-dangerous-place.html">changed the political landscape in Venezuela</a>.</p><p><a href="https://english.elpais.com/international/2026-01-21/juan-barreto-those-in-power-in-venezuela-must-take-the-first-steps-toward-a-national-agreement.html" target="_blank">Seguir leyendo</a></p> https://english.elpais.com/international/2026-01-19/diosdado-cabello-the-unpredictable-go-between-in-venezuela.html Mon, 19 Jan 2026 15:05:36 GMT https://english.elpais.com/international/2026-01-19/diosdado-cabello-the-unpredictable-go-between-in-venezuela.html María Martín ,Alonso Moleiro All eyes are on the powerful minister of the interior, capable of destabilizing the new post-Maduro era All eyes are on the powerful minister of the interior, capable of destabilizing the new post-Maduro era Venezuela Diosdado Cabello Chavismo Washington D.C. Delcy Rodríguez Nicolás Maduro Hugo Chávez PSUV María Corina Machado Donald Trump Cilia Flores Ariana Cubillos (AP) Diosdado Cabello, at the Miraflores presidential palace in Caracas, on January 14. Diosdado Cabello, at the Miraflores presidential palace in Caracas, on January 14. <p>A shadow has been cast over the offices, barracks, embassies and cafés of Caracas and also of Washington since January 3. It is the shadow of a man many fear. The future of the new Venezuela is in his hands; whether or not the country descends into chaos rests on his shoulders. </p><p><a href="https://english.elpais.com/international/2026-01-19/diosdado-cabello-the-unpredictable-go-between-in-venezuela.html" target="_blank">Seguir leyendo</a></p> https://english.elpais.com/international/2026-01-17/life-in-cuba-after-trumps-threats-this-is-a-ship-adrift.html Sat, 17 Jan 2026 20:48:52 GMT https://english.elpais.com/international/2026-01-17/life-in-cuba-after-trumps-threats-this-is-a-ship-adrift.html David Marcial Pérez The possibility of the US overthrowing the communist regime seems more plausible than ever, even more than during the Cold War. In Havana, a mixture of emotions hangs in the air, sometimes contradictory, but always permeated by the extreme precariousness of the present and anxiety about the future The possibility of the US overthrowing the communist regime seems more plausible than ever, even more than during the Cold War. In Havana, a mixture of emotions hangs in the air, sometimes contradictory, but always permeated by the extreme precariousness of the present and anxiety about the future Cuba Venezuela Donald Trump Fidel Castro Miguel Díaz-Canel Dengue Chikungunya Barack Obama Raúl Castro Juan Guaidó CIA Hugo Chávez MARCEL VILLA (EL PAÍS) Life in Cuba after Trump’s threats Yenisey Taboada, mother of political prisoner Duannis León Taboada, in Havana, Cuba. Yenisey Taboada, mother of political prisoner Duannis León Taboada, in Havana, Cuba. <img src="https://images.english.elpais.com/resizer/v2/AN4CYJCMD5HORGZHZ4DOF72RUY.jpg?auth=00936cf25ef867f99ed4d9218d0fff300a274e8b6e8e5923df0c9633a824e46f" width="6772" height="4452" alt="Yenisey Taboada, mother of political prisoner Duannis León Taboada, in Havana, Cuba."></img><p>Sixty-seven years have elapsed, and Havana still remembers the triumphant entry of <a href="https://english.elpais.com/usa/2025-03-25/trump-fulfills-fidel-castros-lifelong-dream-by-silencing-radio-television-marti.html" target="_self" rel="" title="https://english.elpais.com/usa/2025-03-25/trump-fulfills-fidel-castros-lifelong-dream-by-silencing-radio-television-marti.html">Fidel Castro</a> and his bearded revolutionaries. After departing from a military academy in the morning, a convoy of trucks advances at midday from the Malecón, traversing the city along the same original route. Riding atop the olive-green trucks are young men and women with red flags, raised fists, and shouts of “Long live Fidel!” On the sidewalk, a crowd has gathered: there are a few flags, a few banners, but what stands out the most are the yellow shirts of the telemarketers from the state tourism agency, and the school uniforms. It is also a tradition that every January 8, public sector workers and students are granted leave — to use the official euphemism — to take a break and go out to celebrate the unprecedented armed triumph of socialism on this Caribbean island. An experiment that, after so many decades of geopolitical balancing acts, idealism, authoritarian rule and isolation, is going through one of the most fragile and difficult periods in its history.</p><p><a href="https://english.elpais.com/international/2026-01-17/life-in-cuba-after-trumps-threats-this-is-a-ship-adrift.html" target="_blank">Seguir leyendo</a></p><img src="https://images.english.elpais.com/resizer/v2/MMG4LHWPFNBEBGN3OSCC7GPGDY.jpg?auth=4bb8587b800188f87cb5c1657ce5284a5457ea711a6dc769cd22535cc958deaa" width="6960" height="4640" alt="An abandoned car on Belascoain Street in downtown Havana."></img><img src="https://images.english.elpais.com/resizer/v2/VI7M2NVQ2NGCBC37ZYJSGD2THM.jpg?auth=31ea891f0ce775ff20b0c913233fe54c18d860ae25a2f94f0fe4dd7357686a1e" width="6036" height="4520" alt="Man under the influence of the drug "the chemical" in downtown Havana."></img><img src="https://images.english.elpais.com/resizer/v2/GIKCC6EAIFDSJDDRILVDEQCSRQ.jpg?auth=55f2991318879ae597c438b461ba7e9b58c0aa3941b823e2002c8bb6f862d385" width="6960" height="4640" alt="Victory Convoy on 23rd Street, Vedado, in Havana."></img><img src="https://images.english.elpais.com/resizer/v2/ORHOB6OCCRBFNAV7HKQIWBFEIA.jpg?auth=5fc87f9f8ffbd3eaa78ce9437d3b3e3d0d6927df3f03607b8349f76ce5e451ee" width="5638" height="3759" alt="Blackout on Belascoain Street in downtown Havana."></img><img src="https://images.english.elpais.com/resizer/v2/XBTBJ3ONTNGW5IZL2XXCPZZKBI.jpg?auth=9f6944e6eeebb6cf9b1e1fb19791945c93db9daf98982fbd1a6c8cc4fe9e21a6" width="6960" height="4640" alt="Yenisey Taboada, mother of Duannis León Taboada, at her home in Havana."></img> https://english.elpais.com/international/2026-01-17/a-visual-guide-to-venezuelas-oil-and-why-trump-wants-it.html Sat, 17 Jan 2026 04:00:00 GMT https://english.elpais.com/international/2026-01-17/a-visual-guide-to-venezuelas-oil-and-why-trump-wants-it.html Laura Navarro Soler,Daniele Grasso ,José Antonio Álvarez Iguacel Since becoming the country with the largest crude reserves on the planet in 2010, its production has fallen to historic lows Since becoming the country with the largest crude reserves on the planet in 2010, its production has fallen to historic lows Venezuela Hugo Chávez Nicolás Maduro Caracas Brent Pdvsa Donald Trump Chevron <p>The largest oil reserves in the world in 1980 were concentrated in the Middle East, principally in Saudi Arabia. Venezuela had been found to have <a href="https://english.elpais.com/international/2025-12-22/oil-gold-and-rare-earth-elements-the-backdrop-to-us-political-tension-with-venezuela.html" target="_self" rel="" title="https://english.elpais.com/international/2025-12-22/oil-gold-and-rare-earth-elements-the-backdrop-to-us-political-tension-with-venezuela.html">considerable deposits</a> — which were essential to the country’s economy in previous decades — but they represented only 3% of the world total.</p><p><a href="https://english.elpais.com/international/2026-01-17/a-visual-guide-to-venezuelas-oil-and-why-trump-wants-it.html" target="_blank">Seguir leyendo</a></p> https://english.elpais.com/usa/2026-01-17/maduros-capture-boosts-support-for-trump-among-venezuelans-and-cubans-hes-a-man-of-his-word.html Sat, 17 Jan 2026 04:00:00 GMT https://english.elpais.com/usa/2026-01-17/maduros-capture-boosts-support-for-trump-among-venezuelans-and-cubans-hes-a-man-of-his-word.html Carla Gloria Colomé While most Americans disapprove of the arrest of the Venezuelan president, admiration and gratitude toward the Republican has grown among these two exile communities While most Americans disapprove of the arrest of the Venezuelan president, admiration and gratitude toward the Republican has grown among these two exile communities Donald Trump Nicolás Maduro Venezuela Cuba Florida Miami Miguel Díaz-Canel Fidel Castro Hugo Chávez Carla Colome / Cortesía CUBA VENEZUELA MIGRANTES Bárbara, Carlos Muñoz, Carolina Barrero and Yanet Tensenberg with her son. Bárbara, Carlos Muñoz, Carolina Barrero and Yanet Tensenberg with her son. <p>A statue of Donald Trump should be erected right next to that of Simón Bolívar in the main square of Caracas’ historic center. That way, everyone who passes by will remember that Venezuela was first liberated by a Venezuelan… and then by an American. This is suggested by Carlos Muñoz, an electrician who has lived in the United States for 10 years. He believes that this would be the best way to honor Trump and offer some joy to people like him and fellow Venezuelan, Yanet Tensenberg. “The only way they would have left the government was with a military intervention,” he says. She nods along, adding, “Trump is a man of his word.”</p><p><a href="https://english.elpais.com/usa/2026-01-17/maduros-capture-boosts-support-for-trump-among-venezuelans-and-cubans-hes-a-man-of-his-word.html" target="_blank">Seguir leyendo</a></p> https://english.elpais.com/international/2026-01-17/the-faces-of-venezuelan-exile-the-hope-of-returning-is-always-there-now-its-a-little-closer.html Sat, 17 Jan 2026 04:00:00 GMT https://english.elpais.com/international/2026-01-17/the-faces-of-venezuelan-exile-the-hope-of-returning-is-always-there-now-its-a-little-closer.html EL PAÍS Around eight million citizens of the South American country live abroad. Some fled the political repression of Chavismo. Others simply sought a way out of economic hardship. They have spread throughout the world, although most remain in Latin America. This is the story of 11 of them Around eight million citizens of the South American country live abroad. Some fled the political repression of Chavismo. Others simply sought a way out of economic hardship. They have spread throughout the world, although most remain in Latin America. This is the story of 11 of them Venezuela Hugo Chávez Nicolás Maduro Bogotá Colombia México Chile Miami Río de Janeiro Madrid EL PAÍS (EL PAÍS) VENEZOLANOS EXILIADOS PERFILES David Fernández, Mireya Tabuas, Luis Peche, Lupe Aguais, Kell Aponte, Luis Alejandro Marcano, Fabiana Gamboa, Maribel Cernadas, Ajamar Morales, María Elías El Warrak. David Fernández, Mireya Tabuas, Luis Peche, Lupe Aguais, Kell Aponte, Luis Alejandro Marcano, Fabiana Gamboa, Maribel Cernadas, Ajamar Morales, María Elías El Warrak. <img src="https://images.english.elpais.com/resizer/v2/DNKJ3NMDAZALBFQWCLHJRXCNF4.jpg?auth=228f05715ecf7f99df2c079f92e1f4764d7686bec3e972f43d2f0c536a72057a" width="2000" height="1063" alt="David Fernández, Mireya Tabuas, Luis Peche, Lupe Aguais, Kell Aponte, Luis Alejandro Marcano, Fabiana Gamboa, Maribel Cernadas, Ajamar Morales, María Elías El Warrak."></img><p>The Venezuelan diaspora watched with astonishment, uncertainty — and, many say, hope — the United States’ attack on Caracas and <a href="https://english.elpais.com/international/2026-01-12/maduro-faces-a-legal-ordeal-while-he-waits-in-the-prison-known-as-hell-on-earth.html" target="_self" rel="" title="https://english.elpais.com/international/2026-01-12/maduro-faces-a-legal-ordeal-while-he-waits-in-the-prison-known-as-hell-on-earth.html">the arrest of President Nicolás Maduro</a> on Saturday, January 3. In the last decade, more than eight million people have fled a country that now has just over 28 million inhabitants. This gives an idea of the hemorrhage Venezuela has experienced. They fled Chavista repression but also economic hardship. Many of these exiles watch the news with the hope of returning. Others assume that returning is now impossible, but they follow the news with the same anticipation and interest. This is the story of 11 of them.</p><p><a href="https://english.elpais.com/international/2026-01-17/the-faces-of-venezuelan-exile-the-hope-of-returning-is-always-there-now-its-a-little-closer.html" target="_blank">Seguir leyendo</a></p><img src="https://images.english.elpais.com/resizer/v2/YPJMMHSKPVASZB2SCBQZL2NDGY.jpg?auth=0323f4f4038060f0ba1b2cbc8a09590abd3dc16d14630d786d9b001bfdd1f5b2" width="5063" height="3375" alt="Venezuelan David Fernández in Bogotá on January 8."></img><img src="https://images.english.elpais.com/resizer/v2/DJRH2OB2ONEXDAQIPWZFOOPCWM.jpg?auth=79e1775f4ea77a79097027b99590d355f7a8be4dfc6bbf3184e4ef551fb227a6" width="5472" height="3648" alt="Luis Peche, Venezuelan political scientist, at his home in Bogotá, on January 7."></img><img src="https://images.english.elpais.com/resizer/v2/TI243VJS5NEHHED6B4KVT3DVYM.jpg?auth=9a085125eb530fc55375874c661c6a3a15eef5cf96a4de66721cd03e130aedf7" width="6506" height="4337" alt="Mireya Tabuas, in Santiago, Chile, on January 7."></img><img src="https://images.english.elpais.com/resizer/v2/VCMFL46YABHXDENB52SQRUKV3A.jpg?auth=331e89a591aa207b3e217799ce649be9e0fc14acf07774671fccaa4d193f5779" width="7140" height="4760" alt="Lupe Aguais, in New York, on January 8."></img><img src="https://images.english.elpais.com/resizer/v2/TRAB4LWJXFCNHMEAU62OTA7S7I.JPG?auth=33165ecf10dfb3e444e481730d64588a3a5c02f2ef2f701135a8d746fbed6fca" width="5680" height="3787" alt="Fabiana Bamboa, on January 9, in Madrid."></img><img src="https://images.english.elpais.com/resizer/v2/P2TAGFFXBNGVXK2HWAEBLAC6WQ.jpg?auth=30349dfb636ee4e55f89749468a884410e637a5b000585eed4bdbc53b0c0e8b3" width="5532" height="3600" alt="Maribel Cernadas, a Venezuelan living in Jaén, at the university in this city, on January 9."></img><img src="https://images.english.elpais.com/resizer/v2/WLI46GTTXZH3RH7DSAILXZ3GSE.jpg?auth=9cfd4f4842c0b7e98d4f00a717698cb0383830bbd4445320a77653f0869c8e20" width="5760" height="3840" alt="Luis Alejandro Marcano, at his home in Madrid, on January 9."></img> https://english.elpais.com/international/2026-01-15/the-thousand-faces-of-el-helicoide-from-a-shopping-mall-to-a-prison.html Thu, 15 Jan 2026 10:39:31 GMT https://english.elpais.com/international/2026-01-15/the-thousand-faces-of-el-helicoide-from-a-shopping-mall-to-a-prison.html Pedro Torrijos Its design made headlines worldwide, was exhibited at MoMA, and Salvador Dalí even offered to decorate its interiors. Seventy years after its construction in Caracas, the future of the controversial building remains uncertain Its design made headlines worldwide, was exhibited at MoMA, and Salvador Dalí even offered to decorate its interiors. Seventy years after its construction in Caracas, the future of the controversial building remains uncertain Venezuela Marcos Pérez Jiménez MoMA Pablo Neruda Salvador Dalí Hugo Chávez Chavismo Delcy Rodríguez Cámara de Comercio, Industria y Servicios de Caracas (EL PAÍS) El Helicoide Image of El Helicoide in 1961. Image of El Helicoide in 1961. <p>Some buildings are born with a systemic vocation. They aspire to be more than just containers for human activity and behave like three-dimensional diagrams of the world, ideological machines disguised as concrete. <a href="https://english.elpais.com/international/2026-01-13/the-venezuelan-prisoners-who-found-out-about-maduros-fall-a-week-after-the-rest-of-the-world.html?outputType=amp" target="_self" rel="" title="https://english.elpais.com/international/2026-01-13/the-venezuelan-prisoners-who-found-out-about-maduros-fall-a-week-after-the-rest-of-the-world.html?outputType=amp">El Helicoide</a> was born with precisely that ambition, perhaps too much so.</p><p><a href="https://english.elpais.com/international/2026-01-15/the-thousand-faces-of-el-helicoide-from-a-shopping-mall-to-a-prison.html" target="_blank">Seguir leyendo</a></p> https://english.elpais.com/economy-and-business/2026-01-14/exiled-venezuelan-oil-experts-in-texas-warn-clear-rules-are-needed-before-investment-returns.html Wed, 14 Jan 2026 11:09:53 GMT https://english.elpais.com/economy-and-business/2026-01-14/exiled-venezuelan-oil-experts-in-texas-warn-clear-rules-are-needed-before-investment-returns.html Jesús Jank Curbelo Former PDVSA workers in Houston watch seized tankers arrive in the city that became their new home Former PDVSA workers in Houston watch seized tankers arrive in the city that became their new home Texas Houston Nicolás Maduro Venezuela Donald Trump Chevron Exxon Mobil Hugo Chávez 2025 PLANET LABS PBC (via REUTERS) Exiled Venezuelan oil experts in Texas Interception of the oil tanker 'Skipper.' Interception of the oil tanker 'Skipper.' <p>At 53, Arturo lost the job where he had spent half his life. It was January 2003, and Hugo Chávez had begun mass layoffs at <a href="https://english.elpais.com/international/2024-02-14/the-network-that-looted-2-billion-from-venezuelas-state-oil-company-was-obsessed-with-luxury.html" target="_self" rel="" title="https://english.elpais.com/international/2024-02-14/the-network-that-looted-2-billion-from-venezuelas-state-oil-company-was-obsessed-with-luxury.html">PDVSA, the Venezuelan state oil company</a>. More than 18,000 people were left jobless overnight. Arturo, who was the executive manager of the company’s exploration unit and head of the technical team, learned about it from the press. “They fired us and took away all our benefits,” he recalls from his home in Houston, where he lives at 76. Two decades later, the same city that took him in after his dismissal is receiving the oil tankers that the United States is seizing from Venezuela. The same city that is ready to receive even more crude once — as Trump has promised — it begins to flow again in Venezuela as it did in the boom years.</p><p><a href="https://english.elpais.com/economy-and-business/2026-01-14/exiled-venezuelan-oil-experts-in-texas-warn-clear-rules-are-needed-before-investment-returns.html" target="_blank">Seguir leyendo</a></p> https://english.elpais.com/opinion/2026-01-10/bewildered-in-venezuela.html Sat, 10 Jan 2026 04:00:00 GMT https://english.elpais.com/opinion/2026-01-10/bewildered-in-venezuela.html Jose Andrés Rojo Those who were hoping for change have suddenly found themselves living in a caricature: Donald Trump is now the one leading the Bolivarian revolution Those who were hoping for change have suddenly found themselves living in a caricature: Donald Trump is now the one leading the Bolivarian revolution Venezuela Donald Trump Nicolás Maduro Delcy Rodríguez Hugo Chávez Gaby Oraa (REUTERS) Government supporters participate in a march calling for the release of Venezuela's ousted president Nicolas Maduro, in Caracas A Venezuelan man, during a demonstration for the release of Nicolás Maduro and his wife Cilia Flores on January 7 in Caracas. A Venezuelan man, during a demonstration for the release of Nicolás Maduro and his wife Cilia Flores on January 7 in Caracas. <p>The U.S.-orchestrated military intervention to kidnap Nicolás Maduro bore the hallmarks of a major television production, in which the scriptwriters crafted a heroic narrative devoid of any bloodshed. The background explosions, the gunfire, the din of planes and helicopters, and then the immediate transition to the figure of a handcuffed and humiliated leader: <a href="https://english.elpais.com/lifestyle/2026-01-06/maduros-sweatsuit-and-the-triumph-of-the-poor-image.html" target="_self" rel="" title="https://english.elpais.com/lifestyle/2026-01-06/maduros-sweatsuit-and-the-triumph-of-the-poor-image.html">the gray tracksuit</a>, the dark glasses, the headphones, the water bottle. The dead appear only as a minor detail, a number in small print. Donald Trump, the architect of the operation, presented it as if it were a grand spectacle— yet another one of his —, a showy display of overwhelming American power. It also took the form of <a href="https://english.elpais.com/opinion/2026-01-05/venezuela-maduro-call-of-duty-and-the-united-states-soft-power.html" target="_self" rel="" title="https://english.elpais.com/opinion/2026-01-05/venezuela-maduro-call-of-duty-and-the-united-states-soft-power.html">a sophisticated computer game</a> brought to life, in which the deposed president wishes his captors a Happy New Year and then poses with his thumbs up as if he were the victor.</p><p><a href="https://english.elpais.com/opinion/2026-01-10/bewildered-in-venezuela.html" target="_blank">Seguir leyendo</a></p> https://english.elpais.com/international/2026-01-08/trump-and-petro-bury-the-hatchet-with-an-hour-long-call.html Thu, 08 Jan 2026 10:39:21 GMT https://english.elpais.com/international/2026-01-08/trump-and-petro-bury-the-hatchet-with-an-hour-long-call.html María Martín ,Juan Diego Quesada ,Valentina Parada Lugo The US president has invited his Colombian counterpart to the White House and said it was a ‘great honor’ to speak to him after months of verbal attacks The US president has invited his Colombian counterpart to the White House and said it was a ‘great honor’ to speak to him after months of verbal attacks Colombia Gustavo Petro Washington D.C. Donald Trump Hugo Chávez George W. Bush Álvaro Uribe Vélez Marco Rubio Chavismo MARIANO VIMOS (EL PAÍS) Gustavo Petro in Bolívar Square, Bogotá, January 7. Gustavo Petro in Bolívar Square, Bogotá, January 7. <img src="https://images.english.elpais.com/resizer/v2/ZL5DQOYFABCQTO3UG2N6LR2CS4.jpg?auth=b27a4c852bd9d619deabbf27ad12afe5f5190bec19616835d2059813c0f5c49a" width="7262" height="4841" alt="Gustavo Petro in Bolívar Square, Bogotá, January 7."></img><p><a href="https://english.elpais.com/international/2025-02-26/gustavo-petro-i-was-wrong-to-believe-that-i-could-make-a-revolution-by-governing.html" target="_self" rel="" title="https://english.elpais.com/international/2025-02-26/gustavo-petro-i-was-wrong-to-believe-that-i-could-make-a-revolution-by-governing.html">Gustavo Petro</a> and Donald Trump ended their mutual attacks on Wednesday after a phone call lasting more than an hour. Upon hanging up, the U.S. president said it had been “a great honor” to speak with his Colombian counterpart and that he looked forward to welcoming him at the White House, a meeting his advisors are already arranging. Petro responded that Colombia can now “sleep peacefully.” The standoff between the two leaders, which had taken on a pre-war tone, has been resolved, at least for now.</p><p><a href="https://english.elpais.com/international/2026-01-08/trump-and-petro-bury-the-hatchet-with-an-hour-long-call.html" target="_blank">Seguir leyendo</a></p> https://english.elpais.com/international/2026-01-07/chavismo-factions-divide-up-presidency-of-the-new-venezuela.html Wed, 07 Jan 2026 15:40:40 GMT https://english.elpais.com/international/2026-01-07/chavismo-factions-divide-up-presidency-of-the-new-venezuela.html Jacobo García The pragmatists negotiating with the United States after Maduro’s fall are now dealing with the most loyal and militaristic Chavistas The pragmatists negotiating with the United States after Maduro’s fall are now dealing with the most loyal and militaristic Chavistas Venezuela Chavismo Delcy Rodríguez Caracas Diosdado Cabello Hugo Chávez Simón Bolívar Hugo Chávez Stephen Miller Ronald Peña R (EFE) Women from the Bolivarian National Armed Forces Tuesday in Caracas. Women from the Bolivarian National Armed Forces Tuesday in Caracas. <p>Chavismo is a movement of photos and icons, and on Monday it didn’t miss a fresh opportunity. On the day <a href="https://english.elpais.com/economy-and-business/2026-01-07/delcy-rodriguez-inherits-a-dying-economy-in-venezuela.html" target="_self" rel="" title="https://english.elpais.com/economy-and-business/2026-01-07/delcy-rodriguez-inherits-a-dying-economy-in-venezuela.html">Delcy Rodríguez</a> was sworn in as interim president of Venezuela and <a href="https://english.elpais.com/international/2024-04-15/jorge-rodriguez-the-cold-psychiatrist-waiting-to-succeed-nicolas-maduro.html" target="_self" rel="" title="https://english.elpais.com/international/2024-04-15/jorge-rodriguez-the-cold-psychiatrist-waiting-to-succeed-nicolas-maduro.html">Jorge Rodríguez</a> as president of the National Assembly — the day executive and legislative power fell into the hands of the siblings — the third wheel, Diosdado Cabello, appeared with a furrowed brow and a somber expression that did not go unnoticed by the photographers and television cameras covering the ceremony. Cabello, the visible head of what is considered the Chavista military wing, listened with a circumspect air to the heartfelt speeches from the podium during what seemed more like a austere ceremony than the inauguration of a new president.</p><p><a href="https://english.elpais.com/international/2026-01-07/chavismo-factions-divide-up-presidency-of-the-new-venezuela.html" target="_blank">Seguir leyendo</a></p> https://english.elpais.com/international/2026-01-07/chavismo-20-nicolasito-maduro-a-key-figure-in-venezuelas-new-era.html Wed, 07 Jan 2026 11:24:19 GMT https://english.elpais.com/international/2026-01-07/chavismo-20-nicolasito-maduro-a-key-figure-in-venezuelas-new-era.html Juan Diego Quesada Nicolás Maduro’s only son inherits part of his father’s power but has long been viewed as cut from a different cloth Nicolás Maduro’s only son inherits part of his father’s power but has long been viewed as cut from a different cloth Venezuela Nicolás Maduro Delcy Rodríguez Chavismo Caracas Hugo Chávez Edmundo González Urrutia Diosdado Cabello PSUV José Antonio Abreu Marco Rubio María Corina Machado Stringer (Getty Images) Nicolás Maduro Guerra in Caracas on January 5, 2026. Nicolás Maduro Guerra in Caracas on January 5, 2026. <p>The scene bore the weight and pomp of a coronation before God. <a href="https://english.elpais.com/international/2026-01-05/delcy-rodriguez-calls-for-cooperation-with-us-while-trump-demands-total-access-in-venezuela.html" target="_self" rel="" title="https://english.elpais.com/international/2026-01-05/delcy-rodriguez-calls-for-cooperation-with-us-while-trump-demands-total-access-in-venezuela.html">Delcy Rodríguez</a>, left hand raised, right hand resting on the Bible, the book set upon a maroon cushion with gold trim. She wore an aquamarine dress. <a href="https://english.elpais.com/international/2024-04-15/jorge-rodriguez-the-cold-psychiatrist-waiting-to-succeed-nicolas-maduro.html" target="_self" rel="" title="https://english.elpais.com/international/2024-04-15/jorge-rodriguez-the-cold-psychiatrist-waiting-to-succeed-nicolas-maduro.html">Jorge Rodríguez</a>, left hand raised, purple tie, glasses. A man swearing in his younger sister as interim president of Venezuela, children of a father murdered while in police custody in the 1990s, when they were minors, with their whole lives ahead of them. The two would later visit their father’s grave, but first they stood there, frozen, in the most symbolic moment of their lives. Between them, his hands resting on the lectern, guarding the Bible, his expression grave, stood <a href="https://english.elpais.com/international/2024-07-24/nicolas-maduro-guerra-if-edmundo-gonzalez-wins-we-will-be-in-the-opposition.html" target="_self" rel="" title="https://english.elpais.com/international/2024-07-24/nicolas-maduro-guerra-if-edmundo-gonzalez-wins-we-will-be-in-the-opposition.html">Nicolás Maduro Guerra</a>.</p><p><a href="https://english.elpais.com/international/2026-01-07/chavismo-20-nicolasito-maduro-a-key-figure-in-venezuelas-new-era.html" target="_blank">Seguir leyendo</a></p> https://english.elpais.com/opinion/2026-01-05/a-berlin-wall-for-the-latin-american-left.html Mon, 05 Jan 2026 13:10:00 GMT https://english.elpais.com/opinion/2026-01-05/a-berlin-wall-for-the-latin-american-left.html Pablo Stefanoni Maduro’s disrepute is so great that it has paralyzed action everywhere against the most serious imperialist intervention in recent times Maduro’s disrepute is so great that it has paralyzed action everywhere against the most serious imperialist intervention in recent times Venezuela Caracas Nicolás Maduro Donald Trump Hugo Chávez Berlín Fidel Castro Cuba María Corina Machado Nicolás Aznárez (EL PAÍS) aznarez 05012026 <img src="https://images.english.elpais.com/resizer/v2/GBLV6W4E3NHHTOPGV73LMIR36Q.jpg?auth=18e2d3af45ae567b4116dd99c05e39b9e07ceeb892b1a34826a430a2a21f66fc" width="1914" height="1890" alt="."></img><p>In August 2024, following the Venezuelan elections, an article in this newspaper concluded: “The images of repression in Venezuela—and of a government entrenched in power without even showing the tally sheets of its supposed victory—constitute an invaluable gift for reactionaries everywhere. A ‘socialism’ associated with repression, daily hardship and ideological cynicism does not seem to be the best foundation for ‘<a href="https://english.elpais.com/international/2025-12-16/from-nazi-to-moment-for-reflection-latin-americas-left-feels-the-blow-of-kasts-victory-in-chile.html" target="_self" rel="" title="https://english.elpais.com/international/2025-12-16/from-nazi-to-moment-for-reflection-latin-americas-left-feels-the-blow-of-kasts-victory-in-chile.html">making progressivism great again</a>.’” The article also noted that “while in the past Chavismo was an asset—both material and symbolic—for the regional left, since the mid-2010s it has become increasingly a burden.”</p><p><a href="https://english.elpais.com/opinion/2026-01-05/a-berlin-wall-for-the-latin-american-left.html" target="_blank">Seguir leyendo</a></p> https://english.elpais.com/international/2026-01-05/cilia-flores-the-power-behind-the-venezuelan-throne.html Mon, 05 Jan 2026 12:16:43 GMT https://english.elpais.com/international/2026-01-05/cilia-flores-the-power-behind-the-venezuelan-throne.html Alonso Moleiro Nicolás Maduro’s wife, who has also been captured by the US, worked behind the scenes to preserve the hegemony of the Chavista regime Nicolás Maduro’s wife, who has also been captured by the US, worked behind the scenes to preserve the hegemony of the Chavista regime Venezuela Caracas Nicolás Maduro Cilia Flores Delcy Rodríguez Donald Trump Hugo Chávez MIGUEL GUTIERREZ (EFE) Maduro pide acercamiento con universitarios de EE.UU. para pedirles que "paren la guerra" Nicolás Maduro and Cilia Flores in Caracas, in November 2025. Nicolás Maduro and Cilia Flores in Caracas, in November 2025. <p>The spectacular <a href="https://english.elpais.com/international/2026-01-05/delcy-rodriguez-calls-for-cooperation-with-us-while-trump-demands-total-access-in-venezuela.html" target="_self" rel="" title="https://english.elpais.com/international/2026-01-05/delcy-rodriguez-calls-for-cooperation-with-us-while-trump-demands-total-access-in-venezuela.html">capture of Venezuelan leader</a> and strongman Nicolás Maduro by the United States has somewhat overshadowed the impact of the arrest of his wife, Cilia Flores, the nation’s first lady, or “first combatant,” according to the official narrative from Miraflores Palace.</p><p><a href="https://english.elpais.com/international/2026-01-05/cilia-flores-the-power-behind-the-venezuelan-throne.html" target="_blank">Seguir leyendo</a></p> https://english.elpais.com/international/2026-01-04/why-oil-has-been-a-longstanding-source-of-tension-between-venezuela-and-the-united-states.html Sun, 04 Jan 2026 08:43:58 GMT https://english.elpais.com/international/2026-01-04/why-oil-has-been-a-longstanding-source-of-tension-between-venezuela-and-the-united-states.html Eyanir Chinea The relationship between the two countries is once again marked by the energy wealth of the Caribbean nation The relationship between the two countries is once again marked by the energy wealth of the Caribbean nation Venezuela Nicolás Maduro Hugo Chávez Donald Trump Chevron Pdvsa Brent Gaby Oraa (Bloomberg) Easing Sanctions Open Doors for Venezuelan Oil Deals The Bajo Grande refinery in Maracaibo, Venezuela, on November 17, 2023. The Bajo Grande refinery in Maracaibo, Venezuela, on November 17, 2023. <p>The <a href="https://english.elpais.com/opinion/2026-01-03/brute-force-in-venezuela.html" target="_self" rel="" title="https://english.elpais.com/opinion/2026-01-03/brute-force-in-venezuela.html">strikes ordered by U.S. President Donald Trump</a> on Caracas and the capture of Nicolás Maduro have marked a turning point in Venezuela’s contemporary history, which has been defined by its oil wealth and relationship — sometimes symbiotic, often strained — with the United States. With Venezuela’s oil reserves taking center stage, Trump has promised to revive the country’s ailing hydrocarbon industry. He plans to leverage massive U.S. investments, opening a new front in the political battle in Venezuela, which has now entered an unprecedented phase.</p><p><a href="https://english.elpais.com/international/2026-01-04/why-oil-has-been-a-longstanding-source-of-tension-between-venezuela-and-the-united-states.html" target="_blank">Seguir leyendo</a></p> https://english.elpais.com/international/2026-01-03/with-maduro-in-us-custody-who-governs-in-venezuela.html Sat, 03 Jan 2026 17:27:26 GMT https://english.elpais.com/international/2026-01-03/with-maduro-in-us-custody-who-governs-in-venezuela.html Alonso Moleiro Delcy Rodríguez, as vice president, is second in the line of succession, and her brother Jorge, president of the National Assembly, is third Delcy Rodríguez, as vice president, is second in the line of succession, and her brother Jorge, president of the National Assembly, is third Venezuela Nicolás Maduro Diosdado Cabello Delcy Rodríguez Hugo Chávez Donald Trump Caracas Washington D.C. DPA vía Europa Press (DPA vía Europa Press) Venezuelan Interior Minister Diosdado Cabello in La Guaira, October 2025. Venezuelan Interior Minister Diosdado Cabello in La Guaira, October 2025. <p>With disbelief, shock, and confusion, after more than 20 weeks of political tension, Venezuela awoke to the news of the <a href="https://english.elpais.com/international/2026-01-03/trump-says-maduro-has-been-captured-and-flown-out-of-venezuela.html" target="_self" rel="" title="https://english.elpais.com/international/2026-01-03/trump-says-maduro-has-been-captured-and-flown-out-of-venezuela.html">arrest of President Nicolás Maduro</a> and his wife, Cilia Flores, following a combined military operation by U.S. forces in Caracas. The question now is what will happen to Chavismo and who will assume power.</p><p><a href="https://english.elpais.com/international/2026-01-03/with-maduro-in-us-custody-who-governs-in-venezuela.html" target="_blank">Seguir leyendo</a></p> https://english.elpais.com/international/2026-01-03/has-the-democratic-transition-begun-in-venezuela.html Sat, 03 Jan 2026 12:33:50 GMT https://english.elpais.com/international/2026-01-03/has-the-democratic-transition-begun-in-venezuela.html Luz Mely Reyes It remains uncertain whether Maduro’s removal will lead to a regime change, as the ruling elite still controls the territory and the armed forces It remains uncertain whether Maduro’s removal will lead to a regime change, as the ruling elite still controls the territory and the armed forces Venezuela Nicolás Maduro Donald Trump Delcy Rodríguez Hugo Chávez Chavismo María Corina Machado MIGUEL GUTIERREZ (EFE) militares Soldiers in an armored vehicle guard the vicinity of the Miraflores Presidential Palace after the explosions early Saturday morning in Caracas. Soldiers in an armored vehicle guard the vicinity of the Miraflores Presidential Palace after the explosions early Saturday morning in Caracas. <p>Just when there were fears in Venezuela that the U.S. operation against Nicolás Maduro had stalled, U.S. President Donald Trump announced early Saturday morning, January 3, that the dictator had been <a href="https://english.elpais.com/international/2026-01-03/trump-says-maduro-has-been-captured-and-flown-out-of-venezuela.html" target="_self" rel="" title="https://english.elpais.com/international/2026-01-03/trump-says-maduro-has-been-captured-and-flown-out-of-venezuela.html">captured and taken out of the country</a>, along with his wife, Cilia Flores.</p><p><a href="https://english.elpais.com/international/2026-01-03/has-the-democratic-transition-begun-in-venezuela.html" target="_blank">Seguir leyendo</a></p>