Venezuela attempts a forced normality after Maduro's capture

"Venezuela's new normal is marked by a paradox. The capture of Nicolas Maduro, the most powerful man in the country, in a U.S. commando operation worthy of a Hollywood script, has astonished the world and opened a chapter that will be discussed for decades. Yet inside Venezuela, Maduro's capture has left people holding their breath. It is not a time for analysis or debates over responsibility: the rule is silence, caution, and a return to basic routines to ensure daily survival."

"There is, strange as it may seem, a tacit consensus about this paradox both among regime officials and the general population. The ruling party wounded but aware that it cannot escalate tensions with Washington needs to project the idea that it still maintains political and territorial control of the country. Meanwhile, the Venezuelan people, unhappy and exhausted, waits while facing urgent economic pressures. It is still dealing with a long history of crises, repression, and shortages. Normality thus imposes itself as a forced meeting point."

Children returned to school on January 12 as Caracas remained tense after a U.S. commando operation captured Nicolas Maduro on January 3. Public conversation in classrooms was limited, but the event became a recurring topic during recess. Teenagers already risk punishment for dissent, with several recently jailed on terrorism charges. The ruling party appears wounded yet avoids escalation with Washington while projecting control. The population endures urgent economic pressures, longstanding crises, repression, and shortages. After initial panic buying, goods and gasoline supplies normalized. State security forces set up checkpoints and inspect appearances, cars, and cell phones for subversive material.

Read at english.elpais.com