CUANDO CHAVEZ DESTRUYO A VENEZUELA (VER. EXTENDIDA)

The phrase *Pesadilla en Venezuela* ("Nightmare in Venezuela") has been used to describe the severe economic, political, and humanitarian crises that have plagued the country for over a decade. Below is a concise overview based on recent developments and sentiment:

### Context of the Crisis
- **Economic Collapse**: Venezuela has faced hyperinflation, a collapse in oil production, and a GDP contraction of about 80% from 2014 to 2021. Despite a modest recovery since 2021, the economy is again showing signs of distress, with renewed hyperinflation and falling oil revenues due to stricter U.S. sanctions and low global oil prices.[](https://www.bbc.com/mundo/articles/cly189r1l9yo)[](https://english.elpais.com/international/2025-01-18/venezuela-grapples-with-economic-collapse.html)
- **Mass Exodus**: Between 7–8 million Venezuelans have fled the country, creating one of the largest migration crises in Latin American history. Remittances from this diaspora are now a significant source of revenue, but poverty levels remain nearly three times the regional average.[](https://www.bbc.com/mundo/articles/c0m9jw3kej7o)[](https://english.elpais.com/international/2025-01-18/venezuela-grapples-with-economic-collapse.html)
- **Political Repression**: Nicolás Maduro’s government has been accused of authoritarianism, electoral fraud, and human rights abuses. The controversial July 2024 presidential election, where Maduro claimed victory without transparent vote counts, sparked protests and increased detentions of opposition figures.[](https://apnews.com/article/venezuela-president-maduro-inauguration-41df1203ab06e1ee9168622d12aac461)[](https://www.bbc.com/mundo/articles/cx2n2vxp3jmo)[](https://x.com/_Provea/status/1928489159569633398)
- **Humanitarian Issues**: The crisis has led to widespread poverty, food insecurity, and a breakdown in public services. Recent posts on X highlight ongoing forced disappearances and repression of dissent.[](https://x.com/amilagrosparra/status/1928880306448183723)

### Recent Developments
- **U.S. Policies and Deportations**: The Trump administration’s hardline immigration stance has led to the deportation of over 200 Venezuelans to El Salvador’s maximum-security prison (Cecot), accused of ties to the Tren de Aragua gang, often without due process. Families claim many deportees have no criminal records, describing it as a “nightmare.” Maduro’s government has condemned these actions as human rights abuses.[](https://es-us.noticias.yahoo.com/sue%25C3%25B1o-convertido-pesadilla-padre-venezolano-110018008.html)[](https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/cm2y5k2zyz5o)[](https://es-us.noticias.yahoo.com/pesadilla-americana-angustia-venezolanos-deportados-050526397.html)
- **Travel Restrictions**: In June 2025, the U.S. imposed travel bans on citizens from 12 countries and partial restrictions on seven, including Venezuela, citing national security. Venezuelan officials, like Diosdado Cabello, called this “fascism” and a risk to Venezuelans in the U.S.[](https://www.bbc.com/mundo/articles/c1mg28308ero)[](https://www.washingtonpost.com/world/2025/06/05/trump-travel-ban-afghanistan-venezuela-reaction/)
- **Esequibo Dispute**: Venezuela’s election of a governor for the disputed Esequibo region in May 2025 escalated tensions with Guyana, further complicating regional stability.[](https://www.bbc.com/mundo/articles/czxy0zggr75o)
- **Economic Measures**: Maduro declared an “economic emergency” in April 2025, citing U.S. sanctions and Trump’s 25% tariffs on countries buying Venezuelan oil. These measures have strained Venezuela’s oil-dependent economy further.[](https://www.bbc.com/mundo/articles/cly189r1l9yo)[](https://www.bbc.com/mundo/articles/cly642ezvvqo)[](https://x.com/marianodealba/status/1928204795447276004)

### Sentiment on X
- Posts on X reflect despair and anger, with users describing Venezuela as a “prison” under a repressive regime. Some accuse Maduro of emulating Soviet-style totalitarianism, while others express hope that the regime may collapse due to internal weaknesses and external pressures.[](https://x.com/PedroRe83754598/status/1862657293776482661)[](https://x.com/CesarPerezVivas/status/1865132308941910278)
- There’s also concern about the plight of deported Venezuelans in El Salvador and ongoing human rights abuses, including disappearances of dissidents.[](https://x.com/amilagrosparra/status/1928880306448183723)

### Critical Perspective
While the establishment narrative blames Maduro’s mismanagement and U.S. sanctions for the crisis, it’s worth noting that Venezuela’s economic woes predate sanctions, rooted in over-reliance on oil and populist policies under Hugo Chávez. Sanctions have exacerbated shortages, but corruption and state-controlled oil mismanagement are significant drivers. The deportation controversy highlights a broader issue: the U.S. and regional governments often prioritize security over humanitarian concerns, potentially punishing innocent migrants. The lack of transparent elections and international inaction on Esequibo further entrench the “nightmare.”

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