During the administrations of Chávez and Maduro, armed groups played a fundamental role in the repression of dissent. Currently, Nicolás Maduro's regime has begun the distribution of military weapons to workers of state-owned companies and militants, which could indicate an attempt to expand its civil army and a possible loss of control over the collectives that previously had a crucial role in the political-military structure.
This change in strategy has weakened its social control and its ability to mobilize votes in favor of Maduro. The delivery of weapons to employees of 31 public institutions, including ministries and the national electricity company, has been announced through social media and state media, shortly before Maduro's swearing-in on January 8, after a contested presidential election.
In a broader context, a day before this measure, the Minister of Interior, Justice, and Peace, Diosdado Cabello, led the delivery of rifles to the Small Farmers Movement in the states of Lara and Yaracuy. This action seems part of a policy that began in December 2024 with the delivery of weapons to public employees under the slogan of "defend the homeland."
Although it has not been confirmed whether the civilian groups have retained the weapons, this action falls within the repressive strategy of the Venezuelan regime to prevent social uprisings and strengthen its political control in a context of growing tension. The increasing independence of the collectives is reflected in the announcement of the delivery of weapons.
Recently, Edmundo González achieved victories in traditionally pro-government districts, such as the 23 de Enero neighborhood in Caracas, indicating a shift in the power dynamics in the country. The economic crisis since 2017 has led many members of the collectives to become traders, forcing the regime to adopt new repressive tactics. Some groups, such as La Piedrita and Alexis Vive, have diversified their activities with businesses such as food cooperatives and casinos, thanks to state financial support.
