Venezuela ’s Opposition Crosses the Rubicon

Juan Guaid ó, the president of Venezuela’s National Assembly, was sworn in today as the country’s interim president. The controversial move was expected after the opposition-controlled legislature last week invoked articles 233, 333 and 350 of the Constitution declaring Nicolás Maduro an “usurper.” P resident Trump quickly announced that Washington recognizes Guaidó as the legitimate president of Venezuela. Similar announcements came from Argentina, Brazil, Canada, Colombia, and other Latin American countries, as well as Luis Almagro, secretary general of the Organization of American States. Th is could well be the beginning of the end of the Maduro dictatorship.Until recently things seemed hopeless for the Venezuelan people, who are suffering from an historic economic meltdown and a staggering humanitarian crisis. The opposition was maimed and deeply divided, with many of its leaders behind bars, in exile, or simply discredited after years of fruitless political maneuvering. But things started to change this year after the 35-year-old Guaid ó was elected president of the National Assembly. His fresh and energetic leadership has reignited the support of Venezuelans, 80% of whom want Maduro gone, according to polls.Moreover, on January 10 Maduro was sworn in for a new six-year term after an election widely seen as fraudulent last May. Several Western governments, including the United States, the European Union, Japan, Canada, and most Latin American countries, refu...
Source: Cato-at-liberty - Category: American Health Authors: Source Type: blogs