A striking visual protest unfolded in Caracas, Venezuela, on 19 January 2026, as a massive banner emblazoned with the words 'Free Maduro and Cilia' was displayed from the Parque Central Complex. This powerful image, captured by photographer Pedro Mattey, underscores the ongoing political tensions in the nation, serving as a backdrop to a heartfelt plea from a Venezuelan citizen.
A Personal Account of National Turmoil
In a poignant letter to the editor, Gabriel Moncada Belisario from Barcelona, Venezuela, shares his harrowing experience of witnessing US airstrikes in the early hours of 3 January. He reflects on the dashed hopes of many Venezuelans who anticipated the installation of Edmundo González Urrutia as president or the calling of new elections, now feeling these possibilities have receded into the distance.
The Crossroads of Impossible Choices
Belisario critiques the current political landscape, pointing to a report that highlights Donald Trump's assertion that the US must first "rebuild" Venezuela, implying an inability for the country to conduct its own electoral processes. He describes Venezuela as trapped between two untenable options: one side failing to address domestic issues, and the other obstructing fair democratic participation.
The core demand is clear: Venezuela requires self-determination through transparent and equitable elections, free from external military aggression or economic exploitation. Belisario emphatically states that bombs and contracts with the American oil industry are not the solution, advocating instead for a path chosen by the Venezuelan people themselves.
A Global Call for Democratic Values
He concludes with a powerful message, urging the international community to prioritise democracy over oil interests. Only when this shift occurs, he argues, will Venezuela truly be able to assert its sovereignty and identity. This letter adds a personal voice to the broader discourse on US foreign policy and its impacts on nations like Venezuela, emphasising the need for respect and autonomy in global affairs.
