Caracas Deemed 'Ungovernable' as Crisis Deepens
Locales: Capital District, VENEZUELA

Caracas, Venezuela - February 22nd, 2026 - Venezuela is spiraling further into chaos, with the president of the Venezuelan Red Cross, Juan Batista Marin, delivering a stark assessment of the capital city: Caracas is now "ungovernable." This declaration, coupled with a formal condemnation of the Maduro administration by the opposition-controlled National Assembly, paints a grim picture of a nation struggling with escalating violence, systemic poverty, and a complete breakdown of social order.
Marin's statement, made to local media earlier this week, underscores the increasingly perilous conditions faced by both humanitarian organizations and ordinary citizens. He described a city overwhelmed by crime and increasingly unable to provide basic services to its inhabitants. "Caracas is un-governable, like the rest of the country. It's a reality we are facing," he stated, highlighting a situation that extends far beyond the capital's limits. The Red Cross, traditionally a neutral aid organization, is finding even the delivery of essential assistance severely hampered by rampant gang violence and restricted access to vulnerable communities.
The National Assembly, mirroring the Red Cross's concerns, has formally blamed President Nicolas Maduro's government for the country's continuing decline. In a resolution passed this week, lawmakers accused the administration of systemic failures to address deep-rooted problems fueling poverty and crime. The Assembly is calling for immediate action to restore order and significantly improve living conditions for the Venezuelan people, a demand that seems increasingly unlikely to be met given the Maduro government's steadfast grip on power.
The current crisis is not a sudden development, but rather the culmination of years of economic mismanagement, political polarization, and authoritarian rule. Venezuela has been mired in hyperinflation for years, effectively eroding the purchasing power of its citizens and leading to widespread shortages of food, medicine, and other essential goods. This has created a breeding ground for desperation and a surge in criminal activity.
The mass emigration from Venezuela, a phenomenon that began several years ago, continues unabated. Millions of Venezuelans have fled the country, seeking refuge in neighboring nations like Colombia, Peru, and Brazil, creating a significant humanitarian crisis across the region. These exiles often face precarious living conditions and discrimination in their host countries, adding another layer of complexity to the overall crisis.
International Pressure and Internal Divisions
President Maduro has faced mounting international pressure to step down, with accusations of authoritarianism and human rights abuses leveled against his administration. However, he has managed to cling to power with the support of the military and key allies like Cuba and Russia. These alliances provide Maduro with critical political and economic support, allowing him to resist calls for change and maintain control over the country's resources.
Analysts suggest the situation is further complicated by internal divisions within the Maduro government and the military. While publicly presenting a united front, reports indicate factions within the regime are vying for power and resources, potentially exacerbating the instability. The growing desperation within the ranks of the armed forces, coupled with dwindling resources, raises concerns about the long-term viability of Maduro's support base.
The Future of Caracas, and Venezuela
The declaration that Caracas is "ungovernable" is a particularly alarming development. It suggests that even maintaining a semblance of law and order in the capital is becoming increasingly difficult, potentially leading to a complete collapse of public services and widespread anarchy. The Red Cross's struggles to deliver aid highlight the extent to which humanitarian access is being restricted, leaving vulnerable populations without essential assistance.
Looking ahead, the situation in Venezuela remains bleak. Without significant political and economic reforms, a peaceful resolution to the crisis appears unlikely. The international community faces a difficult challenge: how to address the humanitarian catastrophe while avoiding further escalation of the conflict. The Red Cross's warning serves as a sobering reminder of the dire circumstances facing the Venezuelan people and the urgent need for a concerted effort to alleviate their suffering. The question now is whether anyone can actually govern Venezuela, or if the nation is destined for continued decline and instability.
Read the Full The Independent Article at:
[ https://www.independent.co.uk/news/venezuelan-caracas-nicolas-maduro-red-cross-national-assembly-b2925396.html ]