Venezuela still in the grip of extreme poverty; the earthquake exacerbated the situation

Venezuela continues to grapple with extreme poverty despite the removal of former President Nicolás Maduro, who is currently awaiting trial in the United States on multiple charges. The country faces significant uncertainty and hardship, exacerbated by two powerful earthquakes on June 24 that caused extensive human and material damage. The death toll has risen to 5,546, while nearly 18,000 people have lost their homes. Temporary leadership has been assumed by Delcy Rodríguez, but many structures of the previous regime remain intact, leaving the population uncertain about the future. In an interview conducted by Marjana Debevec, Dr. Annie Millán-Gračner, who moved from Maracaibo in the northwestern state of Zulia to Slovenia eight years ago, and Slovenian national Marija Voglar, who returned to Slovenia six years ago after living in Venezuela, discussed the current situation in the country. They spoke about how relatives and friends in Venezuela perceive the changes compared to media portrayals in Europe. According to Dr. Millán-Gračner, although Maduro is no longer in power, her contacts in Venezuela say little has changed in daily life. The Venezuelan currency has depreciated significantly over the years, leading to widespread dollarization of the economy. Many people rely on U.S. dollars for everyday purchases because they no longer trust the local currency, which has lost value due to hyperinflation. This creates greater inequality, as those receiving dollars from abroad or having access to foreign income are better off. European media often highlight political change and the beginning of a new era, but for ordinary citizens, these changes have yet to translate into real improvements in daily life. Her contacts feel that life is still difficult, unsafe, and unstable. The transition in power appears to be perceived more as a change in leadership rather than a genuine political transformation. Most people do not see this as a true political shift, but rather as a replacement at the top. Large parts of the state apparatus and former regime structures remain unchanged. Institutions such as the military, police, and other key structures continue to be staffed by individuals linked to the previous administration. As a result, residents are unsure whom to trust and whether the country will truly move toward a more democratic direction. For a genuine political transition, more than just removing a president is needed. Institutional reforms, an independent judiciary, free elections, freedom of expression, and accountability for those who abused power are essential. Until people see and feel these changes, it is hard to speak of a real transition. Marija Voglar noted that while Maduro and his wife have been removed, others continue to hold power under American influence, with changes mainly focused on oil and gold exploitation. The population has not noticed major changes, though repression might have decreased or people have lost fear and hope. Despite the uncertainty, there is hope for improvement, with discussions about free elections without fraud where everyone can participate. The earthquake on June 24 highlighted the poor preparedness of Venezuelan institutions. People were in great distress, but help did not arrive quickly enough in many areas. There was a lack of organization, equipment, medicines, food, and clear information. After the disaster, the lack of reliable infrastructure and effective governance became evident, further undermining public confidence in the government's ability to respond effectively to crises.