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Around 2:20 p.m. local time, Reuters witnesses estimated that approximately 7,000 individuals had gathered in Caracas. Following the election, thousands more also joined in protests on the streets.
Nicolas Maduro, who is 62 years old, has held office since 2013 and enjoys strong support from key figures in the armed forces and intelligence agencies, both of which are led by close associates of influential Interior Minister Diosdado Cabello.
“I am convinced nothing will happen,” Cabello said on state television on Monday. “But that doesn’t mean we will lower our guard.”
BancTrust, a London-based investment bank, noted that the military’s financial interests make it unlikely for loyalty shifts to occur. In a written statement, the bank stated, “A limited military uprising would pose significant risks for those involved, thus reducing the motivation to participate.”
‘WE HAVE NO WORK’
Security forces set up checkpoints around the country.
In the western oil city of Maracaibo, an opposition protest of dozens of people was quickly dispersed by motorcycle-mounted security forces by late morning. In central Valencia, protesters gathered at another location after initially being met with tear gas.
Opposition supporters also gathered in San Cristobal, near the border with Colombia, in the western city of Barquisimeto and in eastern Puerto Ordaz.
“I’m here because we need to get rid of this government. We have no money, we have no work,” 62-year-old housewife Roisa Gomez said at a protest in the central city of Maracay. “I’m fighting for my vote, which I cast for Edmundo Gonzalez. They cannot steal the election.”
Soon afterward, security forces used tear gas to disperse the Maracay protesters.
Many of the demonstrators were of retirement age and said they wanted change so their migrant children and grandchildren would return to the country. More than 7 million Venezuelans live abroad.
The ruling party was holding rival marches nationwide, images of which were broadcast on state television.
“We’ve come out to show that there is a democracy. On this side are the patriots who will be sworn in with Nicolas (Maduro), on the other side are fascists who want (foreign) intervention, war, to sell their country,” said 50-year-old Caracas motorcycle taxi driver Manual Rincon.
Gonzalez, who has been on a tour of the Americas this week and met with U.S. President Joe Biden and President-elect Donald Trump’s national security advisor, has repeatedly pledged to return to Venezuela but given no details about how.
An arrest warrant was issued for Gonzalez for alleged conspiracy, prompting his September flight to Spain.
Machado is being investigated by the attorney general in at least two cases, but no warrant for her has been made public.
The government has detained several high-profile politicians and activists, including a former presidential candidate. This week, the attorney general’s office said it had freed more than 1,500 of the 2,000 people, including teenagers, detained during post-election protests.
Venezuelans living abroad also held protests, including in Madrid, where Gonzalez’s daughter Carolina Gonzalez spoke to hundreds of demonstrators.
“My dad sends a hug to all of you, glory to the brave people of Venezuela,” she said, her voice breaking.
