Thousands of supporters of Venezuela’s former leader Nicolás Maduro surged through the streets of Caracas on Tuesday, calling for his release one month after a deadly US military operation removed him from power. The march, loud, emotional, and unmistakably defiant, underscored the deep political tensions gripping the country.
Chanting “Venezuela needs Nicolás,” demonstrators rallied behind interim President Delcy Rodríguez, who now faces the delicate task of balancing Washington’s demands with the expectations of Maduro loyalists inside her government and across the nation. Many in the crowd carried photos of Maduro and his wife, Cilia Flores—both detained by US forces on January 3 and transferred to New York to face drug‑trafficking charges.
The government‑organized march stretched for several hundred meters, accompanied by trucks blasting music as protesters waved Venezuelan flags and wore the signature red of the Chavista movement, named after the late Hugo Chávez. Public sector workers made up a significant portion of the turnout, reflecting the enduring influence of the ruling socialist bloc.
“We feel confused, sad, angry. There are a lot of emotions,” said José Perdomo, a 58‑year‑old municipal employee. Despite his frustration, he voiced support for Rodríguez’s decisions, insisting that “sooner or later they will have to free our president.”
The political landscape has shifted dramatically since Maduro’s removal. US President Donald Trump has signaled a willingness to work with Rodríguez—provided she aligns with Washington’s priorities, especially regarding access to Venezuela’s vast oil reserves. Under mounting pressure, Rodríguez has begun releasing political prisoners and opening the state‑controlled hydrocarbons sector to private investment, marking a significant departure from Maduro’s policies.
Once one of Maduro’s closest allies and his former vice president, Rodríguez now finds herself navigating a volatile new era caught between international expectations and a fiercely loyal base demanding the return of their ousted leader.
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