US Attack on Venezuela New Regime

Maduro disappears from the cityscape in Venezuela

Nicolás Maduro's face was previously seen everywhere in Venezuela - on television, on murals, on signs and even on toys. Since the ex-president was imprisoned in the US in January, he has gradually been scrubbed from the cityscape, AFP reports.

Many Venezuelans initially protested, but support for the leader and the leftist ideology Chavismo - named after former president Hugo Chávez - is fading more and more.

Interim President Delcy Rodríguez has adopted the "beginning of a new chapter" as a slogan and has gotten rid of many of Maduro's former ministers.

- We are seeing how Maduro gradually disappears from the public space, says Eduardo Valero Castro, a political science professor at the Central University of Venezuela, adding that the country is becoming increasingly pro-US.

Insecurity Bubbles Beneath Venezuela's New Surface

The US has worked hard to give Venezuela a new, shiny surface after abducting and imprisoning President Maduro, writes CNN.

Diplomatic ties have been strengthened, direct flights have resumed and top American politicians smile at interim President Delcy Rodríguez in photos. Ordinary Venezuelans also have freedoms they didn't have under the previous regime, such as participating in open protests.

At the same time, many are unsure whether the changes are here to stay, or whether the still-visible security apparatus will increase repression again.

Venezuela feels "fragile", and the economic situation is still very difficult, says journalist Carolina Alcalde in Caracas.

- People are still afraid to speak out, especially about politics, because you never know how the government and those in power will react.