Young Venezuelans voice hope and frustration as post-Maduro future unfolds The streets of Caracas still echo with the tension of the past, as the nation grapples with the aftermath of former President Nicolás Maduro’s arrest. Two months after his detention, the city remains a patchwork of loyalty and dissent, with government rallies drawing crowds in support of Maduro, whose image is plastered on billboards alongside his wife, tagged with the slogan “We want them back.” Yet, beneath the surface, a quiet unease lingers among those forced to participate in these events. Public workers, many of whom have little choice but to attend rallies, describe a climate of self-censorship, where even the act of voting for Maduro is met with skepticism. For some, the removal of Maduro represents a chance for renewal. Elena, a 22-year-old public employee, acknowledges her past support for the former president but now sees the need for a broader reckoning. She points to figures like Interior Minister Diosdado Cabello and Defence Minister Vladimir Padrino López as symbols of the country’s entrenched struggles, accusing them of perpetuating violence through paramilitary groups known as “colectivos.” “We have to get rid of these people. That’s non-negotiable,” she says, reflecting a growing demand for accountability. Yet, her frustration extends beyond politics. She laments the economic collapse, where basic necessities are unaffordable, education is a privilege, and jobs that don’t exploit workers are scarce. Meanwhile, others like Ana, a 25-year-old teacher from Maracaibo, have already decided to leave. Earning just $250 a month, she plans to emigrate to Spain, citing the constant threat of violence and the instability of daily life.#nicolas_maduro #diosdado_cabello #vladimir_padrino_lopez #maracaibo #central_university_of_venezuela
