In 2022, the White House granted Venezuela a financial lifeline “to support the restoration of democracy” after President Nicolás Maduro promised to work toward an open presidential election, granting U.

Maduro’s inauguration seals an election outcome that opposition politicians and the US government say was stolen.

Things seemed to be looking up for Venezuela in 2022. Following years of authoritarian rule and withering economic sanctions, President Nicolas Maduro had agreed to work toward a democratic presidential election.

Police are out in force in the streets of Venezuela’s capital as the opposition calls for major anti-government protests.