One month after a US operation led to the capture of Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro, many citizens remain unsure whether the country is truly entering a democratic transition.
The US-backed move resulted in Maduro’s arrest and the appointment of former Vice President Delcy Rodríguez as acting president, following a Supreme Court ruling that declared his absence “forced.” Since then, Rodríguez has reshuffled members of the cabinet and the armed forces, while pledging stabilization and reconciliation.
Authorities say more than 800 political prisoners have been released, and some economic indicators show modest improvement. Meat prices have fallen, airlines are gradually returning, and real estate activity has picked up in Caracas.
However, skepticism remains high. Some Venezuelans express hope that institutional reforms and greater freedoms may follow. Others fear that the current leadership may delay elections and extend its hold on power.
Political analysts caution that a genuine democratic transition requires structural reforms, including new electoral rules, independent institutions, and security sector changes, steps that have yet to fully materialize.
While Washington has signaled support for Venezuela’s transition, experts stress that lasting legitimacy will ultimately depend on free and transparent elections demanded by Venezuelan citizens themselves. For now, the country stands at a crossroads, between cautious optimism and lingering uncertainty.
