Venezuela today

Diosdado Cabello convenes the Security Council as opposition links it to María Corina Machado's return

On September 4, sectoral vice president for policy, citizen security and peace Diosdado Cabello chaired a Ministerial Security Council meeting with police and military authorities to review crime-prevention efforts and keep the early-warning system active, Prensa Latina reported.

Opposition commentator David Placeres linked the meeting to María Corina Machado's plan to return to Venezuela, recalling that Secretary of State Marco Rubio said on September 1, in an interview with Sergio Novelli, that Machado has the right to return and that Washington wants her security guaranteed.

«She's a Venezuelan citizen and has every right to return; we want her security to be guaranteed.»— Marco Rubio, September 1, 2026 · watch

«The Ministerial Security Council is reviewing crime-prevention and territorial-peace plans just as María Corina Machado's return to the country is being raised.»— David Placeres, September 6, 2026 · watch

Caracas bus fares rise to 200 bolívares as complaints over blackouts continue

Since September 1, the minimum urban bus fare in Caracas rose to 200 bolívares (about $0.25), transport guilds announced, El Nacional reported. The fare will be adjusted with the exchange rate; seniors and people with disabilities keep free passage, and students get a 50% discount.

On September 5, the Alianza Nacional de Medios newscast (VPItv) reported that Caraqueños described the increase as a blow to their wallets, and that in several cities users are demanding Corpoelec publish an official blackout schedule.