When developments regarding the post-Nicolás Maduro era in Venezuela are examined, particularly through the lens of the feelings and expectations of the young population, a rather complex and nuanced picture arises. At first glance, daily life in Caracas appears to have remained relatively unchanged. However, upon closer analysis, a sense of both hope and profound uncertainty prevails, particularly among the younger generation. This situation indicates that not only the political transition but also the social and economic structures have yet to achieve stability.
Maduro’s arrest and the takeover of power by Delcy Rodriguez are theoretically viewed as a turning point. However, the persistence of symbols of the old regime in the public sphere leads one to believe that the change has remained largely at a superficial level. Propaganda posters in the streets and organized mass demonstrations indicate that political mobilization continues to be strongly maintained. However, the degree to which this participation is voluntary is being seriously questioned. Statements that public sector employees are being forced to participate in these events reveal that the state’s mechanisms of social control are still active.[1]
One of the most prominent issues for young Venezuelans is the persistent fear surrounding freedom of expression. The fact that individuals interviewed wish to stay anonymous indicates that the psychological aspect of political pressure remains. In particular, the perception that expressing opinions, even on social media, is risky shows that the democratization process has not yet reached a secure point. In this context, a significant portion of young people are approaching the reality of change with caution.
Economic conditions are also reinforcing this insecurity. Despite possessing one of the world’s largest oil reserves, Venezuela is experiencing serious shortages in basic services. Power outages, low wages, and high living costs are having a direct impact on young people’s daily lives. Limited educational and employment opportunities are restricting the future prospects of young people, particularly university graduates. As a result, many young people are turning to migration as a solution. This wave of migration toward countries like Spain is driven not only by economic factors but also by a search for security and freedom.[2]
At the same time, the call for change is quite strong even among young people who have chosen to remain in the country. However, there are divisions over how this change should take place. One side advocates for a radical “cleansing” process and believes that key figures of the old regime must be completely removed from the system. In particular, figures such as Interior, Justice, and Peace Minister Diosdado Cabello and former Venezuelan Defense Minister Vladimir Padrino López are seen as symbols of policies of coercion and fear. This approach demonstrates the strength of the demand for justice and accountability.
Another group advocates a more conciliatory and gradual process of transition. Rising new political movements among university students exemplify this approach. Groups such as “Protect Venezuela” argue that reforms must be implemented without deepening social conflict. These young people view the primary goal as ensuring economic stability and improving public services. This perspective emphasizes that democratization is not merely a political process, but also an economic one.[3]
The international dimension also forms an important part of this process. The United States’ (U.S.) intervention in Venezuela and the resulting cooperation remain a controversial issue in the country. Some young people view this intervention as a necessary step to end the oppressive regime that has persisted for years. Developments such as the release of political prisoners, in particular, support this view. However, another group sees the military intervention by a foreign power as a violation of sovereignty and fears that this situation could create new dependency relationships in the long term.
This debate demonstrates that young people in Venezuela have a very high level of political consciousness. Young people are not only criticizing the current situation but are also considering political alternatives. For example, while some support opposition figures like Maria Corina Machado, others are turning to figures like Enrique Marquez, who represents a more center-left approach. This diversity indicates that a more competitive political environment could emerge in Venezuela in the future.
However, despite all these differing opinions, a common theme emerges: the vast majority of young people agree that the current system is not sustainable. Having grown up in a country governed for years by the same political movement, this generation knows the concepts of democracy and freedom mostly in theory. For this reason, democracy is defined by many young people not as a solid reality but as a “dream.” This statement reflects not only an individual perception but also a collective experience.
In this context, it would not be right to interpret the transformation process in Venezuela solely as a power struggle among the political elite. The key determining factor is how society, particularly its younger generation, is responding to this process and to what degree it is playing an active role. The growing visibility of young people both on the streets and on university campuses indicates a growing tendency toward controlled participation rather than passive waiting. However, this participation is cautiously and fragmentarily characterized due to past repressions. On the one hand, the demand for change is being expressed more and more loudly; on the other hand, a deep uncertainty about whether this change will be lasting persists. This duality clearly highlights the fragile nature of Venezuela’s transition process.
In conclusion, the post-Maduro era in Venezuela cannot yet be regarded as a clearly defined process of transformation. Among young people, hope and disappointment are closely intertwined. While the effects of political repression persist, economic hardships remain unaddressed. Nevertheless, the growing political participation of young people and their demand for change hold important potential for the future. Realizing this potential, however, will require not only a change in leadership but also institutional reforms, economic recovery, and social consensus. Venezuela’s future will largely be defined by the extent to which the expectations of this young generation can be met.
[1] Wells, Ione. “Young Venezuelans Voice Hope and Frustration as Post-Maduro Future Unfolds”, BBC News, https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/c86y2jd70l3o, (Date Accessed: 29.03.2026).
[2] Ibid.
[3] Ibid.
