After years of economic crisis, many Venezuelans struggle just to get by. Yet President Nicolás Maduro continues to hold onto power, using state propaganda, repression and fear to contain the growing opposition.CreditCreditNeil Collier/The New York Times
Venezuela has been in crisis for years, but earlier this month, the country suffered a weeklong power outage, which led to widespread looting, deaths in hospitals, major food shortages and anarchy in the streets.
For this video, Times reporter Neil Collier visited everyday Venezuelans to chronicle the impact of the blackout, which is just one of many hardships in a country already facing a crippling economic crisis and shortages of food, medicine and water.
But Mr. Maduro continues to enjoy popular support in some parts of the country, where his predecessor, Hugo Chavez, is still revered. Much of the country relies on government benefits for basic needs, including food, which discourages dissent and helps Mr. Maduro maintain control.
The Times visited a prison, a children’s hospital and protest marches for this video dispatch, examining how the government system in Venezuela helps squelch opposition and keep Mr. Maduro in power.
The Publisher: Juan Rodulfo, Defined by Nature: Planet Earth Habitant, Human, Son of Eladio Rodulfo & Briceida Moya, Brother of Gabriela, Gustavo & Katiuska, Father of Gabriel & Sofia; Defined by the Society: Venezuelan Citizen (Human Rights Limited by default), Friend of many, Enemy of few, Neighbor, Student/Teacher/Student, Worker/Supervisor/Manager/Leader/Worker, Husband of Katty/ Ex-Husband of K/Husband of Yohana; Defined by the US Immigration System: Legal Alien; Defined by the Gig Economy: Independent Contractor Form 1099; Studies in classroom: Master Degree in Human Resources Management, English, Chinese Mandarin; Studies at the real world: Human Behavior; Studies at home: Webmaster SEO, Graphic Web Apps Design, Internet & Social Media Marketing, Video Production, You Tube Branding, Trading, Import-Exports, Affiliate Marketing, Cooking, Laundry, Home Cleaning; Work experience: Public-Private-Entrepreneur Sectors; Other Definitions: Bitcoin Evangelist, Human Rights Peace and Love Advocate. Author of: Why Maslow: How to use his theory to stay in Power Forever (EN/SP), Asylum Seekers (EN/SP), Manual for Gorillas: 9 Rules to be the “Fer-pect” Dictator (EN/SP)
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