A report by Amnesty International, in collaboration with Venezuelan NGOs Foro Penal and the Centro para los Defensores y la Justicia, reveals a significant correlation between stigmatizing rhetoric from pro-government media and political detentions in Venezuela. The study highlights that stigmatization has been a fundamental basis for the government's repression policy, with a notable increase in the correlation between stigmatization and arbitrary detentions from 2019 to 2021. The report also identifies specific media programs and security bodies involved in these actions. The findings suggest a systematic repression policy that may constitute crimes against humanity, calling for international investigation and support for the International Criminal Court's ongoing probe into Venezuela's human rights situation.

Luis Carlos Díaz, a Venezuelan journalist and cyberactivist, views the archiving of his case as a victory after nearly three years. Despite the suspension of the case, Díaz and his defenders, including the NGO Espacio Público, emphasize that the hostile environment persists. The court's decision lifts all precautionary measures against Díaz, allowing him to travel and speak freely. However, Díaz and supporting organizations like Provea and Ve Sin Filtro call for a complete dismissal of the case and an investigation into the abuses he suffered. The article highlights ongoing concerns about press freedom and human rights in Venezuela, as reflected in the country's low ranking by Reporteros Sin Fronteras.

Negotiations between the Venezuelan government and the opposition's Plataforma Unitaria are likely to resume despite existing asymmetries. Initial agreements were made in Mexico, but talks stalled after the extradition of Alex Saab to the U.S. Analysts believe the dialogue will eventually continue, as both sides have incentives to negotiate. The process is seen as incremental, with potential for partial agreements. Key issues include sanctions relief, electoral conditions, and judicial reform. The dialogue is deemed essential for Venezuela's democratic reinstitutionalization.

Venezuela's public health system is in severe decline, leaving cancer patients like Grecia Solis and Algeria Dias struggling to afford and access necessary treatments. The economic crisis has led to a shortage of trained staff, medicines, and equipment in public hospitals, forcing patients to seek expensive private care. Organizations like the Anticancer Society of Venezuela and Senos Ayuda report increasing numbers of cancer cases and deaths, while the government under President Nicolas Maduro is criticized for not acknowledging the humanitarian crisis and failing to address the health system's issues.

Venezuelans are preparing for Christmas amid economic hardships and the ongoing pandemic. The government has suspended the '7+7' COVID-19 restriction method, allowing more flexibility. Citizens like Gustavo Rojas describe the festive atmosphere as subdued due to high costs and the pandemic. Karelis Singler notes that while some customers buy new decorations, many reuse old ones. The cost of Christmas trees and decorations is high compared to the average income. Despite challenges, people strive to maintain holiday traditions, especially for children. The cost of traditional foods like hallacas has also increased significantly. President Nicolás Maduro has declared a festive season, with symbolic decorations like the Cruz del Ávila being lit.

Venezuela's government increased the minimum wage to half a petro, or about $28.9, after an economic improvement in 2021. With the food bonus, the total minimum income is now $39.3. Economists like Ángel Alvarado from the Observatorio Venezolano de Finanzas suggest the minimum wage is not a reference point, as the private sector pays significantly more. Citizens express concerns that price increases will follow the wage hike. The basic basket for a family of five costs $365, making the new minimum wage insufficient. Some suggest anchoring wages to the dollar instead of the petro. The recent removal of fuel subsidies has also sparked debate on the adequacy of wages in Venezuela.

The UN Fact-Finding Mission on Venezuela urges that the human rights situation in the country not become a 'forgotten crisis.' Established by the UN Human Rights Council in September 2019, the mission has had its mandate renewed once and has presented two reports indicating human rights violations and international crimes. Marta Valiñas, head of the mission, emphasized the need for a joint effort to combat impunity and ensure justice. The mission's third report is due in September, and its mandate may be extended. Patricia Tappatá Valdez highlighted the severity of Venezuela's institutional, political, and humanitarian crisis. Francisco Cox Vial expressed concern over becoming complacent about the situation. Venezuela, currently a member of the UN Human Rights Council, has participated in the council's sessions, with President Nicolás Maduro affirming his government's commitment to human rights.

The European Union's Electoral Observation Mission presented its final report on Venezuela's regional elections, highlighting 23 recommendations for improving the electoral process. Key suggestions include enhancing the separation of powers, particularly judicial independence, and granting the National Electoral Council greater autonomy. The report also calls for repealing the General Comptroller's authority to disqualify candidates and ensuring balanced media coverage. The mission emphasizes the importance of resuming negotiations between Venezuelan parties in Mexico to further democratic reforms.

Costa Rica and Mexico have recently started requiring visas for Venezuelan citizens, reflecting a growing trend among countries in the Americas. According to Henley & Partners, Venezuelans need visas for 98 destinations, including 13 in the Americas and eight in the Caribbean. The imposition of visa requirements is linked to the significant migration flow from Venezuela, with over 6 million Venezuelans having left their country. Experts highlight the need for refugee protection and the importance of regularizing the status of Venezuelan migrants. Some countries, like Colombia and Brazil, do not require visas and have implemented measures to regularize Venezuelan migrants.

The Economist's Democracy Index reported a decline in global democracy in 2021, with Latin America experiencing the most significant impact, attributed to a weakening political culture and the global health situation. Nicaragua, Venezuela, and Cuba were categorized as 'authoritarian' governments. The global score dropped from 5.37 to 5.28, marking the largest decline since 2010. Less than half of the world's population lives in a democracy, and only 6.4% in a 'full democracy.' Latin America's score has fallen for six consecutive years. The decline is linked to dissatisfaction with pandemic management and skepticism about government problem-solving. Populist leaders like Bolsonaro, López Obrador, and Bukele are seen as contributing to the decline. The report also notes the polarized elections in Peru and Chile. Uruguay and Costa Rica are the only 'full democracies' in the region, while Cuba, Venezuela, and Nicaragua are among the most corrupt according to Transparency International. Despite challenges, positive developments include Honduras's election of its first female president and improvements in Uruguay and the Dominican Republic. The article anticipates important elections in Colombia and Brazil in 2022 and suggests that pandemic management and vaccination could influence democratic support and government trust.

Costa Rica will require Venezuelans to obtain visas for entry starting February 21, citing global migration policy changes and the need for orderly migration. This decision impacts the approximately 40,000 Venezuelans in Costa Rica, many of whom are not regularized. The policy also extends to Cubans and Nicaraguans for transit visas. The move aligns with regional agreements and follows similar actions by other countries like Mexico. Costa Rican authorities have coordinated with consular entities to facilitate visa services, with exceptions for emergencies. Venezuelan officials and international organizations have acknowledged the decision, emphasizing the ongoing migration crisis.

Amnesty International, in collaboration with Venezuelan NGOs Foro Penal and Centro para los Defensores y la Justicia, released a report titled 'Calculated Repression' highlighting a correlation between derogatory comments by Venezuelan officials and political detentions. The report shows an increasing trend in this correlation from 29% in 2019 to 77% in the first half of 2021. Erika Guevara-Rosas, AI's Americas director, emphasizes the importance of this statistical analysis for international bodies, including the International Criminal Court, to investigate crimes against humanity. The report also examines the role of security forces and media outlets in the stigmatization process. AI calls for international mechanisms to protect human rights defenders and journalists in Venezuela. The Venezuelan government has not yet commented on the report's findings.

The Venezuelan government announced measures to stimulate the country's struggling bank credit, including a reduction of the legal reserve from 85% to 73% and allowing banks to use 10% of their foreign currency deposits for loans in the national currency. Economists welcome the change but argue it's insufficient, noting that bank credit represents less than 1% of GDP. They suggest that legal restrictions on lending in foreign currencies and economic contraction have limited credit availability. The government expresses optimism for economic growth, while experts call for further reduction of the legal reserve and caution in evaluating the impact of these measures.

In 2021, the private sector in Venezuela saw a wage increase, with the average salary in foreign currency reaching $89.2, according to a study by the Observatorio Venezolano de Finanzas and Anova. Despite this increase, wages remain insufficient, with the average not covering 25% of the basic basket cost of $370. The public sector's wages are significantly lower, highlighting the absolute precarization of employee remuneration. The Central Bank of Venezuela has not provided wage index data since 2013, and the last minimum wage increase was in May 2021 to just over $2.

Venezuelans express relief over the resumption of regular flights between Venezuela and Spain after nearly two years of suspension due to COVID-19. The reactivation of flights is seen as a significant step, especially for those with family in Spain. The Venezuelan government had initially suspended flights to Europe in March 2020 as a preventive measure against the coronavirus. The resumption includes five weekly flights to Europe, primarily operated by Air Europa, Iberia, Plus Ultra, and Conviasa. The World Health Organization's recommendation to lift travel restrictions influenced this decision. Despite the positive reception, some travelers feel the reactivation comes too late, having already made alternative travel arrangements.

The National Electoral Council (CNE) of Venezuela has accepted requests for a potential recall referendum of President Nicolás Maduro. The Venezuelan Constitution allows for the recall of elected officials as a form of political participation. To activate a recall, 20% of registered voters must request it, and to revoke a mandate, an equal or greater number of voters than those who elected the official must vote in favor. Maduro's second term began on January 10, 2019, and the opposition claims the period for recall activation started this past January. The CNE has given a 12-hour deadline to collect the necessary signatures, which has been questioned by the promoters. The opposition, led by Juan Guaidó, seeks free and fair elections but doubts the conditions for a recall. Political scientist Jonathan Benavides views the recall as a viable solution to the political crisis, potentially unifying opposition forces.

Fewer countries in the region allow Venezuelans to enter without a visa. The article explains which American nations require visas for Venezuelans, the reasons behind these measures, and expert opinions on the matter.

Venezuela has theoretically exited a 51-month cycle of hyperinflation, one of the longest in modern history, according to the latest data from the Central Bank of Venezuela (BCV). Despite the official figures showing a decrease in inflation, citizens and experts suggest the economic crisis persists. The BCV reported a 7.6% inflation rate for December, with the last price variation above 50% occurring in December 2020. Economists emphasize that a monthly inflation rate below 50% for 12 consecutive months is required to exit hyperinflation, but also note that the annual inflation rate must not exceed 600%, a threshold Venezuela surpassed in 2021. The de facto dollarization since 2018 is credited with some economic improvements, but issues like insufficient minimum wages and structural problems remain. Independent records and the opposition-aligned Venezuelan Finance Observatory (OVF) confirm the trend of deceleration, but Venezuela is still technically in hyperinflation, with the official exit expected in the first quarter of 2022.

The electoral defeat of Chavismo in Barinas, a state governed by Hugo Chávez's family for 23 years, is deemed catastrophic for Nicolás Maduro's government. Sergio Garrido, the opposition candidate, won the governorship by a significant margin, highlighting Chavismo's declining popularity despite winning most governorships in recent elections. Analysts criticize the government's use of undemocratic tactics and suggest the result deepens the political rift within the ruling coalition. The election underscores the importance of local political leadership and may influence future opposition alliances. The outcome also signals a potential shift in political strategy towards grassroots engagement.

Venezuela ended 2021 with an estimated 11,081 violent deaths, a rate of 40.9 per 100,000 inhabitants, according to the Venezuelan Observatory of Violence (OVV). The annual report showed a decrease in violent deaths compared to previous years. The majority of cases were deaths under investigation, followed by homicides and deaths classified as 'resistance to authority.' The OVV also included disappearances due to a significant increase. Despite the reduction in violent deaths, the quality of life has worsened, and crime opportunities have decreased. However, the use of different currencies and dolarization has opened small niches for crime. The OVV noted an offensive by organized crime challenging the government's monopoly on force. The most violent region was the Capital District. Venezuela is considered one of the most violent countries in Latin America, alongside Honduras.

Prisoners in Venezuela rely heavily on their families for food due to inadequate infrastructure and policies in prisons, according to a report by the Observatorio Venezolano de Prisiones (OVP). The report, based on surveys from 34 prisons, reveals that 71.6% of inmates do not receive food from the state and depend on family support. The OVP highlights severe deficiencies in food variety, water supply, and overall prison conditions, with a significant percentage of inmates losing substantial weight during detention. The Venezuelan government has not addressed these issues publicly, despite recent meetings and initiatives aimed at improving the prison system.

Venezuelans are taking advantage of Black Friday discounts, with many purchasing items like shoes, clothes, and electronics. This marks the third consecutive year that Venezuelan businesses have participated in the Black Friday event, which is popular in the United States. The Venezuelan government suspended the '7+7' economic flexibility and quarantine system, allowing for continuous shopping. Shopping centers across the country, supported by the Cámara Venezolana de Centros Comerciales, Comerciantes y Afines (Cavececo), offered significant discounts. Despite the ongoing economic challenges, including high inflation and dollarization, consumers are eager to find deals, contributing to a hopeful economic outlook for the end of the year.

Venezuelan activists emphasize the critical role of international support for people with HIV in Venezuela, highlighting the country's reliance on aid to meet healthcare needs. The situation was discussed in a virtual meeting titled 'HIV in Venezuela: Between the Humanitarian Emergency and the Pandemic,' organized by the Humanitarian Social Observatory. Alberto Nieves from Acción Ciudadana contra el Sida (ACCSI) and Eduardo Franco from the Red Venezolana de Gente Positiva (RVG+) detailed the decline in antiretroviral treatment availability since 2009 and the importance of a $17 million grant from the Global Fund for AIDS, Tuberculosis and Malaria. Coverage increased from 16% in 2018 to 56.66% in 2020, but activists call for more funds and a renewed dialogue between the government and civil society to improve the quality of life for those with HIV. A recent agreement between the Venezuelan Ombudsman's Office and UNAIDS Venezuela aims to work on human rights defense for the remainder of the year.

La Corte Penal Internacional (CPI) ha avanzado de un examen preliminar a una fase de investigación sobre presuntos crímenes de lesa humanidad en Venezuela desde abril de 2017. El fiscal jefe de la CPI, Karim Khan, y el gobierno de Nicolás Maduro firmaron un memorando de entendimiento que permite a la Fiscalía publicar citaciones y entrevistar víctimas. Aunque Maduro no está de acuerdo con la decisión, respeta el proceso. Expertos como Ali Daniels de Acceso a la Justicia y Omar Piñango de Defiende Venezuela expresaron sorpresa por la rapidez de la decisión y consideran que es un paso significativo para las víctimas. La investigación se centrará en individuos del gobierno y fuerzas de seguridad y podría incluir a Maduro dependiendo de la evidencia. El proceso de investigación puede ser largo, y el fiscal general venezolano, Tarek William Saab, ha expresado su compromiso con la justicia y la cooperación con la CPI.

Despite reports from financial intelligence firm Grupo EMFI and investment bank Credit Suisse predicting economic growth in Venezuela, citizens like José Gregorio Brito and Dulce María Zabala remain skeptical, not seeing improvements in their daily lives. Economists consulted by VOA consider the growth scenarios overly optimistic, noting the economy's significant reduction in size since 2013. Economist Aldo Contreras points out that any real growth is only in comparison to the previous pandemic year, and Alejandro Grisanti of Ecoanalítica emphasizes the deep declines over the last seven years. President Nicolás Maduro claims the economy has made its first real growth step, contrasting with the IMF's report of an expected economic contraction. Financial analyst Henkel García acknowledges growth but attributes it to a comparison with the previous year's poor performance. Grisanti believes a significant economic change in Venezuela depends on a political status quo shift.

Opposition leaders and activists from Venezuela, Cuba, and Nicaragua urge the international community to take more decisive actions against authoritarian regimes in their countries. Venezuelan opposition leader Juan Guaidó emphasizes the global struggle between democracy and authoritarianism, calling for unified action. Nicaraguan activists Rosalía Miller and Levis Rugama highlight the severe repression and call for international support, especially ahead of the upcoming presidential elections. Cuban activist Javier Larrondo stresses the importance of global solidarity to protect democracies worldwide.

Despite Venezuela's economic, political, and social crisis, which has led to over five million Venezuelans migrating, some migrants who previously settled in Venezuela have chosen to stay. The UNHCR reports the number of Venezuelan migrants and refugees could reach seven million next year. The article shares personal stories of migrants from Colombia, Spain, Argentina, and Lebanon who have made Venezuela their home, discussing their experiences, cultural integration, and reasons for not returning to their countries of origin despite the challenges faced in Venezuela.

A U.S. court ruled on October 16 that Pdvsa 2020 bonds are 'valid and enforceable' despite the Venezuelan interim government's claim that the bond issuance was fraudulent as it was not approved by the Parliament. The ruling by Judge Katherine Failla did not consider the National Assembly's resolutions questioning the bonds' legitimacy as invalidating them. The interim government, led by Juan Guaidó, criticized the decision and is considering an appeal. The case is significant for investors, including Wall Street and institutional funds. The U.S. Treasury Department has issued a license limiting bondholders' ability to claim CITGO shares as collateral, with the latest extension expiring on January 19, 2021. Experts believe that negotiations with bondholders are crucial and that a democratic transition is necessary for an organized debt restructuring.

Poverty in Venezuela has escalated dramatically over the past six years, now comparable to some of the poorest and politically unstable African nations. A survey by independent researchers from several Venezuelan universities reveals that 96.2% of Venezuelans are poor based on income, with 79.3% unable to afford basic food. The economic decline is attributed to a 70% drop in GDP, hyperinflation, and mismanagement of oil revenues. The study highlights the severe socio-economic conditions, including high income inequality and the impact of COVID-19 on employment. The findings underscore the urgent need for economic growth and job creation to alleviate poverty.

AT&T announced the immediate cessation of DirecTV operations in Venezuela due to conflicting U.S. and Venezuelan legal requirements amid sanctions. The decision, made without the involvement of DirecTV Venezuela's team, affects nearly 2 million subscribers and leaves a significant gap in the country's telecommunications sector. The move follows U.S. sanctions against Venezuelan entities, including Globovisión and Pdvsa. The shutdown impacts employees, technicians, and independent sales forces, with no immediate replacement available. Venezuelans expressed disappointment, highlighting the service's importance during the pandemic. The interim government led by Juan Guaidó is exploring options to resume services.

Six former CITGO executives have been detained in Venezuela for over two years and are now missing after being taken from house arrest by SEBIN without explanation. Their families and lawyers accuse the government of Nicolás Maduro of 'forced disappearance.' The executives, including Tomeu Vadell, were scheduled for a trial that has been postponed. U.S. officials and the families believe they are held at the Helicoide jail. The U.S. government has expressed support for their release, considering it a top priority. Legal petitions have been submitted to the Organization of American States, and complaints have been filed with Venezuelan authorities. The trial has been rescheduled for March 18.

Venezuela is recovering from a major blackout that affected 19 of its 23 states, exacerbating the country's severe social and economic crisis. The outage, which left the capital with deserted streets and closed businesses, was attributed by authorities to an 'electromagnetic attack' on the main hydroelectric plant. Power has been restored in Caracas and several states, with efforts ongoing to restore it elsewhere. The disputed government of Nicolás Maduro described the incident as an 'electromagnetic attack,' while opposition leader Juan Guaidó criticized the government's handling of the electrical system. The blackout caused a 94% loss of internet connectivity, according to NetBlocks. The national electricity company Corpoelec has not provided details on the cause or extent of the outage.

The Venezuelan crisis disproportionately affects women, as highlighted by NGOs during the 63rd session of the UN Commission on the Status of Women. Activist Luisa Kislinger from Mujeres en Línea emphasized the severe shortage of family planning methods and inadequate hospital conditions, which undermine women's reproductive rights. The coalition Equivalencia En Acción reported an 85% scarcity in contraceptives, forcing many women to migrate for better opportunities and safety. Despite having fundamental rights, Venezuelan migrant women face violence and discrimination, particularly in Colombia.

The article explores the role and challenges of women in Venezuelan politics, highlighting the experiences and perspectives of key female politicians like Marialbert Barrios, Delsa Solórzano, and María Corina Machado. Despite representing half of the electorate, women hold a small percentage of legislative seats. The article discusses the systemic barriers women face in politics, the efforts of female politicians to create more inclusive political movements, and the symbolic yet insufficient measures taken by the government to promote gender equality. The narrative underscores the resilience and leadership of Venezuelan women in both political and social spheres.

Interim President of Venezuela, Juan Guaidó, leads a caravan from Caracas to the Colombian border to receive humanitarian aid, accompanied by legislators and volunteers. Despite police presence and opposition from Nicolás Maduro, who views the aid as a political stunt by the U.S., Guaidó is determined to bring in the aid by February 23. The National Assembly supports Guaidó, while Maduro's government, backed by the military, remains opposed. Concurrently, two concerts are planned on either side of the border to raise awareness and funds for the crisis.

Twenty years after Hugo Chávez's election, Venezuelan youth reflect on the legacy of Chavismo, which has been characterized by political polarization, social destabilization, and a period of oil boom. Chávez's tenure lasted until his death in 2013, succeeded by Nicolás Maduro. Venezuela now faces severe inflation, shortages of food, medicine, and jobs, and a redefinition of governmental institutions that has increased government power and marginalized opposition groups. The PSUV's governance is linked to the current crisis by experts and international organizations. Voice of America spoke with 20 young Venezuelans who have lived their entire lives under single-party rule to understand their experiences and perspectives on their country's future.

The Venezuelan government, led by President Nicolás Maduro, announced the next phase of the Petro cryptocurrency, aiming to use it as a commercial currency. The Petro's value will now be based on a basket of commodities, including oil, gold, iron, and diamonds. Despite initial challenges and skepticism from experts, the government plans to integrate the Petro into various economic activities, including tax payments and public services. The U.S. government has prohibited transactions involving the Petro, adding to the complexity of its adoption.

Venezuela introduced a new currency called the 'sovereign bolivar' to combat hyperinflation, effectively removing five zeros from the old currency. The transition caused Venezuelans to rush to stores over the weekend to purchase goods before the change. Many shops remained closed on Monday due to a national holiday, which was intended to facilitate the introduction of the new currency. The International Monetary Fund predicts that inflation in Venezuela could reach 1 million percent by the end of the year. President Nicolas Maduro also announced a significant increase in the minimum wage and changes to the tax system, with both the new currency and wage being tied to the petro, a government-introduced cryptocurrency.

Venezuela, amidst hyperinflation and economic challenges, is becoming a hub for cryptocurrency adoption, with Dash leading the way. Dash Caracas founder Eugenia Alcalá has created a community that supports microtransactions and overcomes economic barriers. The country hosts numerous businesses and organizations that accept Dash, making it a world leader in digital currency acceptance. The article highlights various individuals and entities that have embraced Dash, from entrepreneurs to civil organizations, and notes the growing interest in cryptocurrency education and potential for further adoption in Venezuela.

Neomar Lander, a 17-year-old, was one of 20 minors killed during the 2017 protests in Venezuela, and a year after his death, no one has been held responsible. His case is under preliminary examination by the International Criminal Court's Prosecutor's Office. The government initially claimed Lander died activating a homemade explosive, but opposition politicians and an investigation by Runrun.es suggest he was killed by a tear gas canister shot by police. The case remains in the preparatory phase of the criminal process, with no significant progress. Lander's mother, Zugeimar Armas, continues to seek justice and honor her son's memory by advocating for change in Venezuela.

The article details the timeline of the anti-corruption purge within the Venezuelan state oil company Pdvsa, leading to the downfall of its long-time president Rafael Ramírez. It highlights the political maneuvers and internal conflicts within the United Socialist Party of Venezuela, with key figures like Juan Guaidó, Luisa Ortega Díaz, and Nicolás Maduro playing significant roles. The investigation, initially led by the National Assembly, faced obstacles from the Supreme Court of Justice but was later revived by the Ministry of Public Affairs under Tarek William Saab. The campaign is seen by analysts as a strategy to consolidate power and eliminate political rivals.

Laureano Márquez reflects on the resilience of honesty in Venezuela amidst widespread corruption and the emigration of talented professionals. He discusses the irony of the government criticizing the United States while simultaneously losing Venezuela's best minds to it. Márquez proposes the idea of a 'Queue University' to educate people during their daily waits and emphasizes the importance of sharing culture and intelligence to improve democracy. He shares an anecdote of a father who encourages his son to earn money honorably, highlighting the silent individuals who maintain integrity as the guardians of hope for a better Venezuela.

The Torre de David, once a symbol of systemic failure in the 90s, has transformed into a monument of illegality and neglect under the current Venezuelan government. The rushed eviction of 1,156 vulnerable families from the tower highlights the government's fear of social unrest amid the country's worst economic crisis. The relocation process raises concerns about the well-being of displaced families, including children's education and access to healthcare. The article criticizes the government's failed economic policies, the role of irregular groups within the tower, and the overall mismanagement of the situation. It calls for a national debate on the country's pressing issues and a constitutional change in leadership.

The article provides a detailed historical account of Jaime Lusinchi's life, from his humble beginnings to his presidency in Venezuela. It covers his early life, political activism, medical career, and his involvement with the political party Acción Democrática. The article also touches on his presidential campaign and the diplomatic stance he took regarding Venezuela's territorial waters, particularly in relation to Colombia. Lusinchi's political journey is framed within the broader context of Venezuelan political history, including his relationships with other prominent figures such as Rómulo Betancourt, Carlos Andrés Pérez, Luis Piñerúa Ordaz, and Rafael Caldera.

The article discusses the Venezuelan government's approach to poverty, highlighting a confession by Education Minister Héctor Rodríguez that the government's social policies are not aimed at moving people into the middle class but rather maintaining their support for the socialist revolution. The article recounts a past incident involving former PDVSA president Guacaipuro Lameda and Planning Minister Jorge Giordani, where Giordani expressed that the revolution's goal was to change cultural thinking, which could take at least three generations, implying that the poor would remain poor during this period. The article suggests that this strategy is still in place, as evidenced by recent statements from Vice President Arreaza, and criticizes the government's stance towards the youth and students, exemplified by a student's response to Minister Rodríguez's comments.

Tammy Suárez from the Movimiento Estudiantil de Caracas announced a series of peaceful street protests from Friday to Sunday in Caracas and other major cities in Venezuela. The agenda includes a gathering in support of Foro Penal and detained students, citizen assemblies, and a large mobilization addressing issues like insecurity, scarcity, and high living costs. The activities will continue during the Carnival holiday, although specific plans for the following week remain undisclosed for security reasons.

The brutal repression of student protests in Venezuela, resulting in at least 14 deaths and over 140 injuries, is causing concern within Chavismo and could lead to internal divisions in Nicolás Maduro's regime. Analysts warn that excessive repression may erode the regime's remaining democratic credentials and invite international pressure for human rights violations. Notable figures within Chavismo, such as José Gregorio Vielma Mora, have expressed disagreement with the harsh measures. The ongoing repression is fueling discontent and escalating protests, with some factions within the military reportedly opposed to the government's actions.