Venezuela's Government Accused of Using Earthquake Aid for Political Gain

Last week, two powerful earthquakes struck Venezuela, killing more than 1,400 people and leaving many others without homes. Volunteers from an opposition group called Vente tried to collect donations like diapers, water, and clothing to help survivors. But police showed up and tried to shut some of these donation drives down. The government said all donations had to go through its own agencies.

On June 25, Heidy Loicett, a Vente party leader, set up a donation table in the state of Portuguesa, about 275 miles from the disaster zone. Officers told her that only the government's Civil Protection agency was allowed to run donation centers. In another city, volunteers were told they could not even use the words 'Donation Centre' on their signs. The government claimed only its approved sites could use those words.

Vente is led by María Corina Machado, a Nobel Peace Prize winner who now lives outside Venezuela. Her party called the police actions 'political persecution.' Party officials said the police backed down after crowds gathered and started recording videos. The donation drives were able to continue after volunteers removed the disputed signs.

Venezuela's acting president is Delcy Rodríguez, who took over after former leader Nicolás Maduro was captured by the United States military in January. Her government said police were simply trying to keep roads clear for rescue workers. Officials said too many volunteers were slowing down emergency vehicles. 'These are critical hours,' Rodríguez said.

Experts say controlling who hands out aid during a disaster is a tactic used by governments that want to appear strong and capable. Rodríguez's hold on power is weak, and how she manages this crisis could affect her future. Political consultant Pablo Quintero said the government wants to show it can handle the emergency. He also said the opposition has its own political goals in highlighting the government's failures.

Rodríguez's position as leader also depends on support from U.S. President Donald Trump's administration. The Trump administration had said it wanted Venezuela to hold elections and move toward democracy, but experts say the disaster could delay those plans. Professor Cynthia Arnson warned that natural disasters often end up hurting governments over time. She said the earthquakes could make it even harder for Venezuela's government to meet people's basic needs.