The Mona Charen Show Venezuela Was Not Liberated (w/ Quico Toro)
Jan 12, 2026
Quico Toro, a Venezuelan-born writer and commentator, sheds light on the complex political landscape of Venezuela. He discusses the pervasive fear among citizens that stifles celebration of regime changes and details the intricate power dynamics of the military and security apparatus. Quico also debunks myths about migration and crime, critiques the long-term neglect of the oil industry, and draws parallels between Hugo Chávez and Donald Trump. Ultimately, he expresses hope for Venezuela's democratic recovery, fueled by its rich civic memory and diaspora resilience.
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Top Leader Removed, Regime Persists
- The U.S. operation removed Maduro but left the broader regime structures intact.
- Families of political prisoners feel profoundly betrayed by the limited action.
Why The Military Would Resist Transition
- Military and security chiefs fear a return to democracy because it would expose their crimes.
- That fear helps explain why the opposition lacked sufficient military support to seize power.
Remembering Venezuela's Democratic Era
- Venezuela enjoyed a stable democracy from 1958 to 1998 with a rising middle class and free universities.
- That era enabled social mobility and attracted political refugees from other dictatorships.