Weeks of protests against the Socialist government of Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro show no immediate sign of slowing, but they’re not toppling Maduro, either.  And the president’s call for call for talks is deepening divisions between his conservative rivals.

During the day, protesters march and man barricades, complaining of high inflation, shortages of basic foods in stores, and one of the highest murder rates in the world.  And then at night, the masked thugs come out brandishing rocks and Molotov cocktails.  At least 21 people have been killed in the violence.

Divisions are growing.  The moderates in the opposition are concerned the nightly violence is alienating people from joining their cause.  Although the protests are persistent, they are not spreading beyond the higher income, conservative areas that were already opposed to Maduro and his predecessor, the late Hugo Chavez.

Maduro has consistently offered to talk with opposition leaders.  The White House, UN Secretary General Ban Ki Moon, and Pope Francis have all called for peace talks.  But the opposition is putting high conditions on their attendance, strengthening Maduro’s position as the peacemaker.

The moderates in the opposition are growing impatient.  Opposition lawmaker Hiram Gaviria quit his conservative party Un Nuevo Tiempo (A New Time) and the coalition on Friday over its ban on attending talks at the presidential palace, although he still blames Maduro for the nation’s woes.

Maduro says he is worried that the opposition’s lack of cohesion could lead to a power vacuum into which a demagogue might step.

“I don't say this as a joke,” said Maduro, “It’s very dangerous.  Anyone could take over who has violent plans, and that would be worse.”