Venezuelan workers demand elections and releases

Workers, pensioners, and political prisoners' relatives protested in Caracas, demanding presidential elections and release of detainees. National Trade Union Coalition organized demonstrations. Trade union leaders cited deteriorating public services, severe economic hardship, and lack of democratic guarantees as key motivations. Workers argue the minimum wage and government bonuses fail to address severe economic hardship, with pensioners struggling on ten dollars a month. Acting President Delcy Rodríguez promised elections at the "right moment" but gave no specific date. Opposition and human rights groups push for democratic guarantees, including an autonomous Supreme Court and National Electoral Council for fair elections. Non-governmental organizations estimate 379 to 500 political prisoners remain detained. Human rights groups reported release of over three dozen political prisoners after talks between government and opposition, backed by the United States. Despite releases, rights groups emphasize the need for full freedom of all remaining detainees. The Venezuelan government maintains institutions function normally, denies political persecution accusations, and states it works towards national reconciliation. Police deployed, at times blocking demonstrators from government buildings. Separately, María Corina Machado supporters rallied, demanding her return and new presidential elections. Machado has been unable to return since December 2025, her team reporting multiple unsuccessful re-entry attempts.