Fear and uncertainty: Venezuelans face up to future without Maduro
Synthesis6 Sources
•January 6, 2026

Fear and uncertainty: Venezuelans face up to future without Maduro

Quick Overview

Venezuelans confront a deeply uncertain future after Nicolás Maduro's seizure, experiencing widespread fear and silence amidst mixed reactions to his removal and the rise of a loyalist interim government.

  • Nicolás Maduro was seized by US forces and taken to the US on drug trafficking and weapons charges, an operation that reportedly killed dozens.
  • Public reaction is divided, with some cautiously welcoming Maduro's removal while others express support for him and feel humiliated by US intervention.
  • A pervasive atmosphere of fear and silence prevents public celebration, with citizens wary of speaking out due to continued repression and surveillance.
  • Delcy Rodríguez, Maduro's loyalist Vice-President, has assumed interim power, leading to increased police presence and detention of journalists.
  • The United States declared its intent to "run" Venezuela, sparking further uncertainty and concerns about potential future military actions.
  • Despite hopes for a stable transition, the nation remains gripped by profound political and economic uncertainty after years of crisis under Chavismo.

Key Points

Post-Maduro Seizure Context

  • Nicolás Maduro was seized by the United States and taken to the US to face drug trafficking and weapons charges, as reported by BBC News.
  • The operation leading to Maduro's seizure reportedly resulted in dozens of deaths, including 32 members of Cuban security forces, according to BBC News.
  • Following Maduro's removal, his closest lieutenant, Delcy Rodríguez, has taken power as interim president, leading to increased police patrols and journalist detentions, noted by BBC News.
  • US President Donald Trump declared his administration would 'run' Venezuela, though the specifics remain unclear, as highlighted by BBC News.

Venezuelan Public Sentiment: Fear, Caution, and Divided Hopes

  • Immediate aftermath characterized by silence and fear: Venezuelans initially reacted with silence, drawn curtains, and hushed conversations, fearing repercussions even while secretly celebrating Maduro's arrest, according to EL PAÍS in English.
  • Mixed reactions to Maduro's seizure: While many are 'very happy' about Maduro's removal, they exercise extreme caution, not celebrating publicly due to fears for their safety and the continued presence of Maduro's allies, as stated by BBC News.
  • Loyalists express 'humiliation' and defiance: Supporters like Rosa Contreras felt 'humiliated' by the US intervention and were inspired by Maduro's defiant attitude upon arrival in the US to continue their support, detailed by BBC News.
  • Desire for stability and end to Chavismo: Some hope for a US-led transition to bring economic and social stability, even if imperfect, to encourage the return of millions who left Venezuela due to the crisis, per BBC News.

Societal Impact: Heightened Fear and Uncertainty

  • Pervasive fear and self-censorship: Venezuelans are living in 'fear and silence', afraid to speak on phones or even across borders due to concerns about surveillance and arrests, as emphasized by EL PAÍS in English.
  • Uncertainty about future governance: The lack of clarity regarding the US's long-term plan for Venezuela and the rise of Maduro's staunch ally, Delcy Rodríguez, as interim president, contribute to widespread apprehension, according to BBC News.
  • Lingering threat of further military action: President Trump's refusal to rule out a second wave of strikes adds to the anxiety among the population, despite some expressing defiance against such prospects, as reported by BBC News.
  • Hope for an end to suffering: Opponents of Maduro lament the suffering caused by Chavismo, including food and medicine shortages, and view his removal as a potential step towards alleviating these hardships, notes BBC News.

Outline

Initial Reactions to Maduro's Seizure

Widespread Caution and Private Celebrations

Dismay and Continued Support for Maduro

Initial Silence and Lingering Fear

Impact of Maduro's Seizure and Interim Government

Details of the Operation and Casualties

Interim Leadership and Continued Repression

Future Outlook and Public Sentiment

Hopes for Change and Economic Stability

Desire for Justice and Accountability

Uncertainty and Fear of Further Conflict

Acceptance of Transitional Difficulties

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