Venezuela is undergoing an unprecedented transformation since the arrest of President Nicolás Maduro in a US military operation, during which he was taken to the United States alongside his wife, Cilia Flores. This new phase is perceived by many Venezuelans as distinct from the over two decades of 'populist rule' that characterized their past, as reported by the Financial Times. The absence of Maduro's presence and rhetoric in official media is creating an environment that reflects political and media calm, departing from the highly charged atmosphere previously dominated by the president's lengthy, aggressive speeches aimed at opponents.

With Nicolás Maduro's image and voice vanished from the public sphere, the political landscape in Venezuela is shifting towards a more serene political climate. The report highlights how Maduro, similar to his predecessor Hugo Chávez, had maintained a stronghold over the public space through extended public addresses filled with hostility towards dissenters, alongside symbolic and personal displays that overshadowed political life in the country. The current transition under Acting President Delcy Rodríguez, who assumed office in January, signifies a clear break from this fractious populism. Rodríguez's leadership has introduced a more concise and calm discourse, steering away from the provocative populism that characterized the previous regime.

The implications of this transformation suggest a reconfiguration of Venezuelan politics, potentially allowing for new dialogues and political strategies that could redefine the nation's path forward. As the country adapts to this new phase post-Maduro, the Venezuelan population remains at a crossroads, with hopes for stability balanced against the uncertainties of navigating a political landscape historically marked by division and conflict.