In a surprising turn of events, the streets of Caracas have not been flooded with jubilant crowds celebrating the capture of President Nicolas Maduro, a moment many had long anticipated as a dawn of freedom.
Instead, a tense and cautious silence hangs over the opposition, driven by deep-seated fear and a stark political reality that has left key leaders either in exile or imprisoned.
A Moment of Euphoria Turns to Doubt
Initial reports of Nicolas Maduro's capture in the early hours of Saturday, 4 January 2026, did trigger moments of euphoria among Venezuelans who oppose his regime. For many, this was the signal they had waited for—the potential start of a new chapter.
However, this hope was short-lived. The pivotal moment came during a news conference by former US President Donald Trump, who publicly recognised Maduro's vice president, Delcy Rodriguez, as the interim leader. For opposition supporters, this move confirmed their worst suspicions: that the fundamental power structure may not have changed at all.
As one observer noted, it appears to be a case of "regime change, but it's not."
The Climate of Fear and Missing Leadership
The absence of public celebration is not born of apathy but of a well-founded terror. For years, and particularly after the disputed election in July 2024, Maduro waged a brutal campaign of repression.
Thousands of opposition supporters and political foes were arrested and remain locked up, including key figures who could mobilise people onto the streets. This legacy of intimidation means citizens are simply not willing to take the risk of publicly celebrating or demanding change.
Compounding this issue is a critical leadership vacuum within the country's borders. Edmundo Gonzalez, the candidate widely believed to have won the 2024 election, is reportedly in Spain. Meanwhile, the hugely popular opposition figure Maria Corina Machado left Venezuela in December after nearly a year in hiding to accept the Nobel Peace Prize in Norway.
Waiting for a Safe Transition
With no clear figurehead to rally behind inside Venezuela, the opposition finds itself in a state of nervous limbo. The focus has now shifted to the actions of the interim leader, Delcy Rodriguez.
Opposition supporters are watching closely to see if, under sustained international pressure, Rodriguez can become an acceptable transitional figure—a "safe pair of hands" to steward the nation towards free and fair elections.
The ultimate hope is for a future where Venezuelans can finally vote for a president of their choice without fear. Until that path is clear and secure, the streets of Caracas will likely remain quiet, with celebration deferred for a more certain day.
