Five Misconceptions about the Crisis in Venezuela

Some media reports and analyses on the latest developments in Venezuela are repeating the following five misconceptions: 1.      “Juan Guaidó proclaimed himself president of Venezuela” Juan Guaid ó is the president of the National Assembly, a body that is controlled by the opposition. On January 10 a new presidential term started and, as required by the Constitution, the president-elect had to be sworn-in in front of the National Assembly. However, Nicolás Maduro was “reelected” last M ay in a sham election that the leading opposition parties were prevented from contesting it. Thus, on January 10 most Western governments refused to recognize the legitimacy of Maduro and instead correctly deemed that the National Assembly remained the only legitimate body of the Venezuelan governme nt.The Legislature invoked articles 233, 333 and 350 of the Constitution, declaring Maduro a “usurper.” Article 233 states that given the permanent absence of the president, the president of the National Assembly would assume his/her duties until a new election is organized. Thus, Juan Guaid ó didn’t declare himself president. He was invested with such powers by the democratically elected National Assembly that followed the Constitution given the illegitimate reelection of Nicolás Maduro. 2.      “Venezuela is deeply divided”Not anymore. That was certainly the case back in 2013 when Hugo Ch ávez died, and Nicolás Maduro succeeded him in power. However, the econo...
Source: Cato-at-liberty - Category: American Health Authors: Source Type: blogs