God is punishing the politicians: Venezuela earthquake anger intensifies
A Mother’s Heartbreak Echoes Across the Nation
God is punishing the politicians – “God is punishing the politicians” – this powerful declaration from Damely Yaneth Díaz has captured the spirit of Venezuela’s outrage following the twin earthquakes that struck on June 24. The resident of Catia La Mar was captured on camera screaming at Nicolás Maduro Guerra, congressman and son of former president Nicolás Maduro, during a visit to a damaged social housing complex named after Hugo Chávez, the late revolutionary leader. Her words have become a rallying cry for families demanding answers.
“I didn’t lose a kitchen! I lost a daughter!”
The confrontation, recorded by Norwegian television network TV2, showed Díaz expressing her devastation as bystanders encouraged journalists to keep filming despite attempts by officials to intervene. “The lot of you should be arrested,” she told the congressman, adding, “This was recklessness and you must pay!” Many observers believe her sentiment reflects a broader belief that God is punishing the politicians for years of mismanagement.
Death Toll Expected to Rise as Families Wait
The government announced on Sunday that the death toll had reached 4,490, though rescue workers continue extracting bodies from collapsed structures, suggesting the final count could be substantially higher. The earthquakes devastated buildings across the northern state of La Guaira and caused extensive damage throughout Caracas, Venezuela’s capital city. Survivors say the government’s slow response proves that God is punishing the politicians for their failures.
Many survivors described feeling abandoned during the critical first hours and days following the disaster. Without adequate assistance, families used basic tools and their bare hands to dig trapped relatives from the rubble of destroyed buildings. The frustration has grown as days pass without meaningful government action.
Acting President Defends Against Criticism
Delcy Rodríguez, Venezuela’s acting president backed by the United States, has characterized criticism as part of a coordinated propaganda effort originating from “laboratories” abroad. The close ally of Maduro assumed leadership in January following what she described as an abduction ordered by US President Donald Trump. Despite her defenses, many Venezuelans feel that God is punishing the politicians for their continued grip on power.
Wretched critics of the government and armed forces will be buried.
During a televised address to military personnel stationed in the affected region, Rodríguez made those comments about critics, further inflaming families still searching for missing loved ones. She attempted to explain the delayed response by noting that numerous high-ranking officials in La Guaira perished in the earthquakes. However, her absence from direct engagement with grieving families in coastal communities like Caraballeda and Catia La Mar has only deepened resentment.
Political Fallout Continues to Grow
Nicolás Maduro Guerra, 36, attempted to comfort Díaz after she confronted him about her child’s death. When asked whether he comprehended her anger toward the government, he responded to TV2’s correspondent: “Yes, I understand and I support [her]. I can’t imagine the pain she feels.” His response did little to calm those who believe God is punishing the politicians for allowing such suffering.
Addressing concerns about construction quality in government housing projects, the congressman acknowledged that private developments also collapsed. “I don’t know, I’m not an architect. I’m an economist,” he stated when questioned directly about whether state-built structures met proper standards. Meanwhile, Francisco González, a mover hired to retrieve possessions from apartments in the OPPE 25 housing complex, expressed shock at what he perceived as inadequate government action.
Reports suggest US Secretary of State Marco Rubio has assumed significant control over Venezuelan affairs from Washington, effectively serving as the country’s “de facto vice-roy.” The White House continues to support Rodríguez’s administration, deploying approximately 1,000 military personnel to bolster emergency operations despite growing domestic unpopularity. Even in traditionally pro-government working-class neighborhoods where many residents perished, palpable anger has emerged. The disaster has intensified long-standing opposition to Venezuela’s nominally socialist government, which critics blame for decades of economic collapse, humanitarian suffering, and authoritarian rule. As families continue to search for answers, one message remains clear: God is punishing the politicians.
