María Corina Machado wins the primary election to become the unified opposition candidate in Venezuela, with 26% of the votes counted. The report is provided by correspondent Aymara Lorenzo in Caracas.

The Supreme Tribunal of Justice of Venezuela ordered a comprehensive restructuring of the Venezuelan Red Cross, removing its president and board members following accusations by Diosdado Cabello of conspiracy against the government. The decision came after Miguel Ángel Villarroel of the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies urged President Nicolás Maduro not to intervene. The tribunal appointed Ricardo Filippo Cussano to lead the restructuring. The Venezuelan Red Cross has denied the accusations, while the government, despite denying a humanitarian crisis, has collaborated with international organizations to address the country's issues.

The opposition's primary election campaign in Venezuela begins on August 22 amidst uncertainty due to the appointment of a new National Electoral Council and increasing threats against candidates.

While Maduro's regime met with its counterpart in Cuba, workers from the health and education sectors protested in Venezuela. Caracas residents consulted by Martí Noticias view the outcome of the visit with skepticism.

Public workers took to the streets on Thursday to protest the 16-year prison sentence against six union activists. The Venezuelan regime claims it was an attempted conspiracy.

The UN Security Council unanimously authorized the UN political mission in Colombia to verify the ceasefire agreement between the government and the ELN, Colombia's largest remaining guerrilla group. The resolution also expressed willingness to do the same for a truce with another armed group, the Estado Mayor Central. The UN has been monitoring a 2016 peace agreement with the FARC, which ended over 50 years of conflict. The Colombian government requested the UN mission's mandate be extended to include the June truce with the ELN. The Security Council hopes the agreement will improve the humanitarian situation and encouraged adherence to international humanitarian laws. The UN mission, expiring on October 31, includes 120 observers, with authorization for 68 more and a suitable civilian component to verify the ELN ceasefire. The council is open to further expanding the UN mission if an agreement with the Estado Mayor Central is reached. The article also touches on political repression in Venezuela by Maduro's regime, concerns raised by Amnesty International, and the non-renewal of a US license for oil and gas transactions with Venezuela due to unfulfilled electoral commitments.

Venezuela faces a dire situation following Nicolás Maduro's re-election, with potential paths including collapse, insurrection, or Cubanization. Analysts predict increased uncertainty and worsening conditions, with significant impacts on the economy, social fabric, and political landscape. The opposition remains divided, and the government is expected to intensify repression. The humanitarian crisis, marked by hyperinflation and malnutrition, continues to deepen, exacerbating the suffering of Venezuelan citizens.

Venezuelans, even those with shelter, are increasingly resorting to searching through garbage for food due to the country's severe economic crisis. The article describes the plight of individuals like José Rodríguez, who, despite having a roof over his head, must scavenge for food among waste to survive. Organizations like Cáritas and Fedecámaras are providing support, but the situation reflects a broader issue of poverty and scarcity. The government's official stance, as stated by Vice President Elías Jaua, is that the food scarcity is due to increased demand and not a lack of supply. However, surveys and experts highlight the dire situation, with a significant portion of the population not eating three times a day and nearly 28 million Venezuelans living in poverty.

Ricardo Hausmann discusses the severe economic and social crisis in Venezuela, attributing it to strategic errors by the government led by Nicolás Maduro. He highlights the collapse of various sectors, including the oil industry, and criticizes the government's mismanagement and lack of transparency. Hausmann argues that a political transition is necessary for economic recovery and advocates for empowering society through free-market policies. He also emphasizes the importance of adhering to constitutional processes, such as the recall referendum, to achieve change.