What comes to Venezuela: an escalation that sows doubt about the future – 23/02/2019

The blockade on the pbadage of the humanitarian aid that the Venezuelan opposition hoped to bring yesterday to the country prolongs the scenario of tension and uncertainty, in a polarized country and plunged in a deep political and economic crisis.

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Why Nicolás Maduro refuses humanitarian aid?

– The Chavez regime denies the existence of a humanitarian crisis in Venezuela and says that the aid is not necessary. Maduro denounces the fact that these shipments of food and medical supplies are part of a "show" intended to mask the true intention of the US government's Donald Trump, which would be to launch a military invasion. The Venezuelan opposition and the countries that have mobilized to send donations – especially the United States, Colombia and Brazil – say that these shipments are essential to prevent more Venezuelans from dying of malnutrition or diseases that can to be avoided if hospitals had a minimum of inputs. necessary.

Why did the opposition consider it crucial yesterday?

Because it was a month before the proclamation of Juan Guaidó, president of the Venezuelan Parliament, as acting president of the country, after declaring Maduro "usurper" of the presidency based on the country's Magna Carta. On January 10, the leader of Chavez took a second six-year term, the legitimacy of which is not recognized by the opposition and the international community. They believe that this is the result of the disputed elections of May 2018 to which the main opponents did not participate because they were imprisoned or were disqualified. Guaidó had announced two weeks ago that humanitarian aid would enter "yes or yes" this Saturday and called for peaceful marches throughout the country.

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What will happen now, that the ticket has been frustrated?

After a day of fierce repression at some border posts, with at least four dead and trucks with burned humanitarian aid, questions arise as to the immediate future. For the moment, the regime has managed to block the bulk of aid, which has destabilized the opposition, especially that of Guaidó, who must now redefine his strategy. Maduro, in turn, said yesterday that he had "defeated the coup" and that he would remain firm in power. But his decision to repress furiously and sever diplomatic relations with Colombia isolates him even more. Although Chavez's leader continues to enjoy the essential support of the armed forces, it is badumed that the new confrontation with Bogotá will worsen Caracas' position in the region. Another question that came up last night is about 600 tons of aid accumulated in Colombia, plus those in Brazil and Curaçao, who returned yesterday to their collection sites after the frustrated departure of several trucks. .

Why does Venezuela need humanitarian aid?

The country must immediately take care of 250,000 vulnerable people, in the midst of an economic crisis that has forced millions of people to emigrate. With hyperinflation reaching 10 000 000% this year, according to the IMF, with high unemployment rates and shortages of food, medicine and other essential products, millions of Venezuelans would have no choice but to to survive humanitarian aid. But the demand for help and his organization has a political side. Guaidó's primary goal is to position himself as a leader and lead a "transitional government," while urging Maduro to call early elections. Yesterday, the chavist leader made it clear that he did not want to do it and that he would govern "in many years".