National blackout in Venezuela intensifies political crisis and public distrust.

The recent national blackout in Venezuela, which occurred last Friday, has generated a wave of uncertainty and tension in a country already mired in a deep political and economic crisis. President Nicolás Maduro, in an attempt to calm the population, stated that it was a "criminal attack" against the national electric system, urging citizens to remain calm and keep their nerves of steel. This message was issued through his Telegram channel, where he expressed his commitment to face the situation alongside the people. The blackout, which began around 4:50 local time, lasted for several hours and served as a reminder of the persistent challenges facing Venezuela's electrical system. Despite government efforts, which included a "special patrol and surveillance plan" by the Bolivarian National Armed Forces, power outages have become a constant for Venezuelans, who report service failures that, in some cases, can last up to a week. The electricity crisis is not a new phenomenon in the country. For years, Venezuela has dealt with a series of blackouts that have affected both the population and industry. This latest incident has sparked criticism of the government’s management and the lack of effective measures to ensure a constant electricity supply. In the absence of technical information about the events, citizens have begun to question the veracity of official statements, further fueling the climate of distrust. The political context is also crucial to understanding the severity of the blackout. Nicolás Maduro was proclaimed the winner in the recent elections, the irregularities of which have been denounced by the opposition and various international organizations. However, this proclamation has been challenged by the Democratic Unitary Platform (PUD), which insists on the victory of its candidate, González Urrutia. This situation has intensified political divisions and placed Maduro in a delicate position, where every administrative failure is amplified by social discontent. The accusations of sabotage that Maduro directed at the opposition and external actors, such as the United States and Colombia, have become a common resource for the government in the face of every crisis the country faces. In the past, during the massive blackout of March 2019, these same actors were blamed for what was described as a coordinated attack against Venezuelan infrastructure. However, many citizens feel that this narrative only serves to divert attention from the structural problems plaguing the electrical sector. Amid this crisis, critical voices both inside and outside Venezuela continue to grow. The perception that the government is not taking appropriate measures to address the basic problems of the population fuels discontent, and protests against the government are becoming increasingly frequent. The authorities' inability to provide a basic public service, such as electricity supply, has led many to take matters into their own hands, seeking temporary solutions that are often unsustainable. While Maduro calls for calm, many citizens are forced to adapt to the lack of electricity, seeking alternatives to keep their homes functioning. Candles and electric generators have become common in many households, while others have resorted to more drastic measures, such as seeking refuge in areas with more stable electricity supply. This situation has created a vicious cycle that exacerbates the already critical humanitarian crisis in the country. As the international community watches closely, the future of Venezuela's electrical infrastructure and the government’s response to this crisis will remain subjects of debate. Opposition leaders have reiterated the need for a change in the country's management, advocating for a more transparent and efficient approach that guarantees the basic rights of citizens. However, the Maduro regime's response to these demands has so far been one of rejection and disqualification. The intersection of the electricity crisis with political tensions suggests that blackouts are likely to remain a hot topic in the coming months. Meanwhile, the population continues to grapple with the aftermath of a system that seems to have no solution in sight. Maduro's call for calm may resonate in some sectors, but deep down, many Venezuelans are left wondering how much longer they can endure the darkness looming over the country.