The Pillar Podcast Bonus: Venezuela, with The Pillar's Edgar Beltrán
Jan 7, 2026
In this engaging conversation with JD Flynn, Edgar Beltrán, a Venezuelan journalist and The Pillar's Rome correspondent, dives deep into Venezuela's tumultuous political landscape. He reflects on the nation's democratic roots before Chávez, the dramatic shifts during his tenure, and Maduro's oppressive regime. Edgar shares his personal experiences with scarcity and protests, while exploring the Church's role in advocating for human dignity amidst crisis. From the impact of oil booms to the potential for reconciliation, this discussion sheds light on a complex and resilient nation.
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How Power Was Centralized Under Chávez
- Venezuela's democratic collapse began when Chávez used a new 1999 constitution to consolidate control of all state institutions.
- That consolidation created the institutional basis for later authoritarianism under Maduro.
Personal Toll Of Hyperinflation
- Edgar recounts earning $10 a month teaching two courses at a seminary and $70 a month at a school, illustrating collapsed wages.
- He describes families resorting to eating mangoes from trees during severe shortages.
From Protest Policing To Everyday Surveillance
- Repression targeted protest moments but has expanded to everyday life, including phone checks at police points and arrests for private WhatsApp memes.
- That widening of surveillance transformed ordinary speech and private groups into risks.