In the affluent Caracas neighborhood of Las Mercedes, signs of economic renewal are evident with the widespread use of U.S. dollars for transactions and the appearance of specialized Christmas pop-up stores. Financial analyst Henkel García attributes this to President Nicolás Maduro's relaxation of price control and import regulations. Imported goods, cheaper than domestic products due to factors like inflation and inefficiency, are now prevalent, with American goods in the east and Russian and Turkish goods in the west of Caracas. Contraband fuel and gold mining are sources of hard currency, along with remittances from the Venezuelan diaspora. Some experts suggest Maduro is adopting a Chinese model of governance, allowing economic freedoms while maintaining political control. Despite the increased use of dollars, experts warn of growing inequality and poverty, as the poor remain without access to dollars, facing a bleak Christmas.

The article focuses on the efforts of Roberto Patiño, a Harvard-educated Venezuelan, who has established over 100 free dining halls in Venezuela to feed children at risk of starvation due to the country's political and economic crisis. Patiño, who has a history of working in impoverished communities and political activism, started this initiative in response to the dire need for food among children in poor neighborhoods. The project is funded through donations, contributions from the Venezuelan diaspora, and a social business model. Despite challenges, including hyperinflation and clashes with government social programs, Patiño's initiative continues to grow, aiming to feed 10,000 children. The article also touches on the potential political implications of Patiño's work, as some see it as a stepping stone for his future political career.

Venezuela is facing a critical political situation with widespread civil unrest against President Nicolás Maduro, who is accused of leading the country into poverty, hyperinflation, and under the control of criminal gangs. Opposition leader Juan Guaidó, who declared himself interim president, is gaining popularity and support from the public, despite the government stripping him of immunity. Discussions of a potential U.S. military intervention are prevalent among Venezuelans, with some seeing it as the only solution to remove Maduro's regime. The country's future is uncertain, with fears of civil war or further chaos post-intervention.

The article discusses the political crisis in Venezuela, focusing on the challenges faced by President Nicolás Maduro and the opposition's efforts to appeal to Chavistas, the supporters of the late President Hugo Chávez. It highlights the hardships Venezuelans are enduring, including hunger, inflation, and shortages, which have led some Chavistas to question their support for Maduro. National Assembly leader Juan Guaidó's declaration as interim president is seen as a significant challenge to Maduro's rule. The article also explores the deep-rooted support for Chávez's '21st Century Socialism' among his followers, despite the country's economic downturn. It mentions the role of Datanálisis, a Caracas-based pollster, in measuring public opinion and the political strategies being employed to win over Chavistas to the opposition's side.