2026-04-21
6 分钟The Economist.
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Before its strongman leader, Nicolás Maduro,
was captured by American special forces on January 3rd, Venezuela was a grim, hopeless place.
His regime silenced critics and stole elections.
Some opposition politicians were killed, tortured or thrown into jail.
The economy had collapsed.
Eight million people had fled.
The notion of Venezuela spontaneously becoming more open or prosperous seemed too much to hope for.
But in the 100 days since Mr. Maduro's seizure, Venezuela has changed for the better.
Opposition politicians, many only just released from prison, are meeting openly.
Protests are no longer routinely suppressed.
Investors are sniffing around oil, gas and mining assets.
Delce Rodriguez, previously Mr Maduro's deputy,
is running the country to Donald Trump's liking, albeit under the threat of violence if she fails to comply.
None of this would have happened without Mr. Trump,
but the president is muddled about what Venezuela shows in two important ways.