The political opposition, including the now-Nobel Peace Prize winner María Corina Machado, called for street protests in Caracas and other cities. Ruling party loyalists moved the December 2018 presidential election to May and blocked opposition parties from the ballot. The first Trump administration imposed economic sanctions against Maduro, his allies and state-owned companies to try to force a government change. Ruling party loyalists moved the December 2018 presidential election to May and blocked opposition parties from the ballot. The first Trump administration imposed economic sanctions against Maduro, his allies and state-owned companies to try to force a government change.

Source: Los Angeles Times January 04, 2026 03:48 UTC