Venezuela: the kleptocracy that perpetuates poverty and social repression.

The government of Venezuela presents itself as a paradigmatic case of autocratic kleptocracy, a model that not only relies on corruption but has also generated a system of social control that feeds on the suffering and dependence of the most vulnerable population. This phenomenon, described by author Anne Applebaum in her work "Autocracy, Inc.: The Dictators Who Want to Run the World," resembles contemporary totalitarian regimes, such as that of Vladimir Putin in Russia. In this context, the Venezuelan economy has been intentionally dismantled to keep the poor trapped in a cycle of handouts, which in turn perpetuates the regime's power. Since Hugo Chávez's rise to power, the government has shown a clear willingness to allow the looting of national resources. The state oil company, PDVSA, became the primary target of a system that would enable high-ranking officials to enrich themselves at the country's expense. In 2021, it was revealed that Swiss banks were hiding around $10 billion belonging to these officials, highlighting an alarming level of institutionalized corruption. Such practices not only steal Venezuela's economic future but also become instruments of political control. The case of Jorge Giordani, former Minister of Economy under Chávez, underscores the magnitude of institutionalized theft: it is estimated that before 2013, the total amount embezzled reached $300 billion. Corruption is not an isolated phenomenon; it is the core that guides the regime's economic decisions. The policies of expropriating private companies, far from responding to a genuine socialist ideology, seek to consolidate control over resources that can be used for the benefit of the ruling elite. Beyond the economy, the rule of law in Venezuela has been perverted. The institutions that should protect citizens and ensure transparency have been co-opted to silence those who dare to denounce corruption. The prosecutor's office and the judiciary have become tools to repress opponents, while the Supreme Court acts as an appendage of the executive, legitimizing the regime's actions instead of serving as a counterbalance. The repression of dissent has reached alarming levels, with intelligence agencies dedicated to uncovering and punishing any signs of internal opposition. In this context, ties with groups like Tren de Aragua have facilitated relentless repression, resembling the tactics used by mafia organizations worldwide. This brutality has resonated with the population, which lives in terror of the consequences of raising its voice. On the other hand, President Nicolás Maduro's delusional narrative has played a crucial role in manipulating public opinion. By constantly accusing an "empire" and the opposition of all the ills afflicting Venezuela, the regime diverts attention from its own ineptitude and criminal acts. This discourse has kept many citizens in a state of confusion and misinformation, which in turn reinforces the idea that only the government can provide salvation from a supposed foreign attack. However, the government’s strategy is not solely based on repression and manipulation. The destruction of the economy has created a dependency where the poor are hooked on state handouts. In a country where poverty has become the norm, these aids are seen as salvation, even if they are mere crumbs that feed a cycle of dependency. As hunger and desperation grow, the regime ensures that its power is not questioned. The recent mass forgery of records to maintain the appearance of legitimacy demonstrates the regime's desperation to uphold its narrative. Control over the electoral process has become a necessity, and any attempt at opposition is quickly suppressed. This cycle of corruption, repression, and manipulation has led Venezuela to a critical state, where the hope for real change seems distant. Civil society, worn down and demoralized, faces a monumental challenge in the pursuit of justice and the recovery of democracy. Resistance against this kleptocratic regime is not only an act of disobedience; it is an urgent necessity to ensure a dignified future for coming generations. The struggle to dismantle this corrupt system will be long and difficult, but history has shown that truth and justice, however distant they may seem, always find a way to come to light.