Venezuelans take to the streets worldwide after change of power - Reuters
Photo: flag of Venezuela (Getty Images)
The change of power in Venezuela triggered a wave of reactions among Venezuelan migrants around the world. People who had left the country took to the streets of major cities to express their joy, according to a report by the Reuters news agency.
Diaspora reactions in different countries
Following reports that Nicolás Maduro had been removed from power with US backing, Venezuelans launched spontaneous demonstrations in the capitals of Latin American and European countries.
In Santiago, Lima, Quito, and Madrid, people gathered with national flags, chanted slogans, and shared their emotions.
"We are free. We are all happy that the dictatorship has fallen and that we have a free country," said Khaty Yanez, a Venezuelan woman living in Chile.
"My joy is too big. After so many years, after so many struggles, after so much work, today is the day. Today is the day of freedom,” said Jose Gregorio.
Scale of the migration crisis
According to the International Organization for Migration (IOM), about 7.7 million people have left Venezuela since 2014, which is roughly 20% of the country’s population.
Colombia has taken in the largest number of migrants, around 2.8 million, followed by Peru with 1.7 million, and other countries in the region. For many, the main reasons for leaving were the inability to meet basic needs and a lack of future prospects.
Hopes and doubts
Despite the euphoria, anxiety remains among Venezuelans abroad.
"We are still not at the point where we can say Venezuela is completely free,” said Maria Fernanda Monsilva at a rally in Quito.
Many stress that what is happening is only the first step, after which the country must go through a difficult period of political and economic transition.
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