Maduro Out

What is the situation in Caracas?

Protests in Venezuela have gained momentum as hundreds of thousands of people opposing Nicolas Maduro’s administration have taken to the streets, even in the pro-government western reaches, of Caracas on Wednesday, celebrated as Independence Day throughout Venezuela.

Clashes have increased with two boys being shot by armed men on motorcycles. Tear gas has been used to disrupt and dissuade the masses from moving forward with their protests. However, Henrique Caprilles of the opposition, recently banned from participation in government for alleged mismanagement of foreign donations, has called for fresh protests in support of the masses saying, “[The protest] is the Venezuelan people’s struggle.”

What is the economic situation in the country?

Venezuela’s government faced public backlash against the apparent “capitalist conspiracy” that has caused a major slump in the economy. The reduction in oil prices coupled with the country’s reckless public finances has made it perilous debtor, thereby eliminating the option of turning to international sources of capital.

Nicolas Maduro’s government inherited the failures of Hugo Chavez’s economic policies which included nationalizing over 1200 private companies. The excessive printing of money has accelerated the rise in inflation engendering Venezuela as the country with the highest rate of inflation as current consumer prices reach an odious 800% increase.

Maduro has attributed failures in the economy to artificially created economic problems. The minimum wage has been increased alongside inflationary excesses, however, employment itself has contracted.

What are the reasons for protests?

Venezuela is amid a humanitarian and economic crisis caused by a series of analogous events. The oil-rich nation faced exceptional shortages of food insofar that Venezuelans had to cross to the neighboring states of Brazil and Columbia to service their basic grocery needs.

Amidst the crises, the Supreme Court originally passed a ruling that would radically alter Venezuela’s identity as a democratic state by transferring congressional powers to the Supreme Court.  This shift to a neb-authoritarian regime can further endanger the lives of Venezuelans.

Is there a possibility for foreign intervention?

Venezuela has lost its right to vote the United Nations owing to the large foreign debt accrued over the years. Furthermore, the complete rejection of recommendations to implement freedom of expression, association and political participation will avert assistance from an international body.

Incidentally, in 2015, President Barack Obama declared Venezuela as a threat to US national security. The United States has, on numerous occasions, with the backing of NATO, intervened in countries with the prior declaration of a threat to US national security.  It is hard to ascertain possibly intervention by another sovereign power at this moment.

Thus, as it strengthens executive controls over state machinery by moving to dissolve the National Assembly and leaders of the opposition, Venezuela is turning into an authoritarian regime with democracy seen in name only.