While Nicolás Maduro's government lives on edge under a military threat from US President Donald Trump, ordinary Venezuelans spend their time trying to figure out what to eat each day at Quinta Crespo, a popular market in downtown Caracas.
Local vendors express a critical concern regarding the rising dollar rather than the US military's possible intervention. Alejandro Orellano, a market vendor, shares, There's not going to be an intervention, what's really troubling us is the rise of the dollar. With inflation surging, essential goods like chicken now cost four times the monthly minimum wage, leaving many to question how to survive at all.
Despite the US deploying military resources near Venezuela, the residents prioritize their daily needs, as highlighted by Consuelo, a retired professor, who insists, Let whatever happens happen! And that's it! This sentiment encapsulates a broader reluctance to panic-buy or stockpile in preparation for a potential conflict.
While some are silent out of fear of government retaliation regarding anti-government sentiments, others, like Barbara Marrero, express a yearning for change amidst the ongoing crisis. Most locals remain focused on survival instead of a looming conflict, finding ways to live day by day with the hope for better conditions ahead.
