Caracas is burning. Not literally, but the political temperature has hit boiling point. The government of Nicolas Maduro faces a direct accusation: negligence in the face of the earthquake that shook the country 48 hours ago. Angry survivors are demanding accountability, and the stench of a political crisis is in the air.
This is a classic playbook move from the opposition. They sense blood. The death toll is climbing, now at 47 and rising. Rescue efforts are chaotic, with reports of delayed aid and a lack of coordination. The government's response has been defensive: blaming 'imperialist forces' and 'fake news'. But the images of rubble and tear-streaked faces are hard to spin.
Key question: Will the military stay loyal? The armed forces have been the backbone of the regime. But a natural disaster can crack that loyalty. Soldiers are also citizens. They have families in the affected zones. If the government is seen as incompetent, the whispers in the barracks could turn into murmurs.
I am hearing from a source close to the opposition that they are preparing a motion of censure in the National Assembly. This is symbolic, but it piles pressure. The real battle is in the streets and on social media. Cellphone footage of rescue delays is going viral. The hashtag #MaduroAsesino (Maduro Murderer) is trending globally.
Maduro's strategy? He will give a televised address tonight. Expect tears, promises of aid, and a sharp attack on the 'oligarchy'. But the window for action is narrowing. If he fails to deliver tangible results in 72 hours, this could spiral into a full-blown legitimacy crisis.
Let's be clear: Earthquakes don't respect political loyalties. But how a government responds defines its fate. The Venezuelan opposition knows this. They are organising soup kitchens and volunteer rescue teams, deliberately contrasting their efficiency with the state's chaos. This is classic guerrilla politics.
One to watch: The role of the governors. Some are from the opposition. They are using this disaster to assert local control, bypassing central government. If they succeed, it undermines Maduro's authority.
For now, the streets are quiet but angry. The next 24 hours are critical. I will be watching the palace closely.
Eleanor Rigby, Political Bureau Chief.
