A new poll published by The Economist shows rising optimism among Venezuelans about the country’s political direction, with many respondents saying they expect conditions to improve over the next 12 months and associating that outlook with recent developments involving the United States under President Donald Trump.
The survey, conducted by Premise for The Economist from January 9 to 13 and based on responses from 600 Venezuelans, asked participants whether they believed the country’s political situation would be much better, a little better, about the same, or worse in the coming year. Most respondents said they expect improvement, while a smaller group anticipated no major change. Only a limited share said they believed conditions would worsen.
According to The Economist, the findings follow what it described as a dramatic turn of events in Venezuela that has reshaped public expectations. The publication reported that many respondents expressed relief and renewed hope after recent developments involving President Nicolás Maduro, reflecting deep dissatisfaction with years of economic collapse, political repression, and institutional decline.
The poll also captured shifting attitudes toward the United States. More than half of respondents said their view of Washington improved following the events referenced in the survey. The Economist said this change in perception coincided with expectations of political opening and the possibility of movement toward democratic governance.
While optimism was evident, respondents did not signal certainty about rapid recovery. Views varied on how quickly stability and reform could materialize, underscoring continued caution after prolonged crisis. The results suggest that recent developments have altered public sentiment inside Venezuela, creating a moment of guarded hope centered on expectations of political change rather than immediate outcomes.
