It is over two years since I visited Venezuela and the difference is marked.

The crisis is far from over, but it will soon become clear that my memory of hyperinflation, commodity shortages and mass flight needs to be updated.

Now a cautious optimism is breathing in the country.

In 2021, Venezuela's economy grew for the first time in nine years and oil production increased slightly after reaching historic lows in 2020. Admittedly very small steps for a country that has undergone an unprecedented economic collapse but still a trend break that is clearly noticeable in society.

The political climate has also changed.

Gone are the abysmal polarization and street protests.

And I have not heard the name of opposition leader Juan Guaidó mentioned once during my stay.

In January 2019, Guaidó proclaimed himself president and received immediate support from the United States, Europe and a number of Latin American countries who believe that Maduro lacks democratic legitimacy.

After that, the United States and the European Union chose to tighten their sanctions against Venezuela.

"A spirit of consensus after a ruthless confrontation"

At the time, many believed that Maduro's days were numbered, but now the president and his Socialist Party seem to be more secure in power than in a long time, and the contours of a tacit agreement between the government and parts of the opposition are growing.

A kind of spirit of consensus after years of ruthless confrontation.

When I talk to private business leaders who are close to the opposition, they use a new vocabulary.

Entrepreneurs avoid talking politics and instead highlight the opportunities for economic growth.

The battle axes have been buried - at least temporarily.

From the government side, a more pragmatic attitude is also noticeable.

The oil issue remains politically sensitive and no government representative wants to give SVT an interview.

But a senior member of the government anonymously says that Venezuela is ready to resume diplomatic relations with the United States.

"We need a good relationship with the Americans," the member of government said when we met in Caracas.

And the person confirms that they have agreed with parts of the business community that the government should engage in politics and entrepreneurs to do business.

"A pragmatic solution"

Oil companies from the USA, led by Chevron, are lobbying in Washington to get permission to trade in Venezuelan oil again.

Interest is growing now that the US embargo on Russia enters into force.

But it is unlikely that the United States will completely lift its sanctions against Venezuela.

In that case, it is more likely that the US government will choose to give US oil companies the opportunity to operate in Venezuela despite the sanctions.

An exception that confirms the rule.

It is a pragmatic solution that might not make anyone completely happy but could be the beginning of a new relationship between the countries.

One thing is for sure - the American dream of bringing about a regime change in Caracas with sanctions is currently in shambles.