The Venezuelan government has shown remarkable resilience in recent years as political and economic woes mount. But analysts are beginning to ask how much longer President Nicolas Maduro can survive.

In different parts of Caracas and other cities in the interior of the country, activists against the government of Nicolás Maduro keep protesting in the streets. After several days of marches that have ended in clashes with the police, demonstrators last week blocked the city's main arteries, calling it the big "shut down."

For Caracas residents, the Guaire River is synonymous with excrement and garbage. Former President Hugo Chavez promised 12 years ago to make it so healthy again that people would bathe in it. But the river remains a cesspool. Just ask anti-government protesters who have sought refuge from tear gas in its filthy waters.

Any attempt by opposition protesters to reach the center of Caracas has been repelled by a hail of tear gas and shotgun pellets by Venezuelan police and National Guard riot troops. On April 19, some chose to escape across the Guaire River, a notorious open sewage-laden canal that divides the south and north side of the city. In 2005 the government of Hugo Chavez began a project to clean up the river that was never completed. Experts say at least $14 billion has been spent on it, without any visible results.

At least eight people have died as a result of the crackdown on a wave of anti-government protests in Venezuela. The majority of the victims were very young students hit by bullets from security forces or paramilitary "collectives."

Opposition leaders smell victory over socialist government. "Let it be heard: The dictatorship is in its final days," said opposition leader Maria Corina Machado. The crowd responded with shouts of "Freedom! Freedom!"