Amid escalating tensions between the United States and Venezuela, ordinary citizens in Caracas are more preoccupied with their daily financial struggles than the specter of a potential US invasion. While President Nicolás Maduro’s government remains on high alert due to military threats from US President Donald Trump, Venezuelans are focused on securing enough money to feed their families. At Quinta Crespo, a bustling market in downtown Caracas, the primary concern is not the geopolitical conflict but the rapid depreciation of the bolívar and soaring food prices. Alejandro Orellano, a vegetable vendor, dismisses the possibility of US intervention, stating, ‘What’s really troubling us is the rise of the dollar.’ The economic crisis has left many unable to afford basic necessities, with a kilo of chicken costing four times the official monthly minimum wage. The International Monetary Fund (IMF) predicts inflation will reach 548% this year, worsening to 629% in 2026. Despite government bonuses, retirees and public workers struggle to cover essential expenses. Consuelo, a 74-year-old retired professor, expresses skepticism about an armed conflict, emphasizing that panic buying is unaffordable for most. The political climate remains tense following the disputed 2024 presidential elections, which led to widespread arrests and international condemnation. Many Venezuelans, like pastry chef Barbara Marrero, live in fear of reprisals for speaking out. While some see a potential US intervention as an opportunity for regime change, others, like Javier Jaramillo, remain focused on the immediate economic crisis. ‘We’re more worried about food,’ he says. ‘Inflation is eating us alive.’ Despite the uncertainty, daily life continues in Caracas, with street vendors and pedestrians navigating the challenges of a nation in turmoil.
‘We worry more about food’ say Venezuelans living under threat of US military action
