Crazy Caracas

Venezuela is in a major crisis as protests heat up and Maduro the president continues to grab more power. Venezuela has been tense ever since Maduro took power in 2013 after Chavez died. The reason for this is the continuation of Chavez policies. Since his polices have been implemented which includes the nationalization of many private companies, food shortages have taken place and not only that but foreign companies are leaving. One in particular is General Motors when their plant was seized last week after the government accused the company and many others of working against him economically.

An interesting thing about Venezuelan politics is the colectivos. These individuals are armed civilians who intimidate the populace into supporting government and it started under Chavez.

In 2015 the opposition won the majority giving Maduro’s party a stunning defeat and signaling that the people want change according to the opposition. But last month in a dictatorial move, the Maduro backed Supreme Court took power away from the parliament causing mass resentment in the country. Recently he has asked to talk to the opposition as more protest are planned this week. We could be on the verge of a violent revolution because this is something that has been going on for a while. But at the same time as long as the military is on the side of Maduro, this madman will stay in power.