Widespread protests in Venezuela against Maduro as Trump recognises Opposition Leader as interim President

US President Donald Trump announced this afternoon that he recognises Venezuelan opposition leader Juan Guaidó as the country's interim president.

Widespread protests in Venezuela against Maduro as Trump recognises Opposition Leader as interim President

There are widespread protests in Venezuela against the Nicolas Maduro administration and the protesters might now be emboldened by the decision of the US President to announce that the US will not recognize Mr. Maduro as president.

US President Donald Trump announced this afternoon that he recognises Venezuelan opposition leader Juan Guaidó as the country’s interim president.

The announcement came minutes after the 35-year-old declared himself as acting leader in Caracas on today.

Tens of thousands of Venezuelans are taking to the streets in protest against President Nicolás Maduro, according to the BBC. 

Mr Maduro was sworn in for a second term earlier this month, after a poll considered a sham by much of the international community.

In response to Mr Trump’s recognition of the opposition leader, Mr Maduro gave all US diplomatic staff in Venezuela 72 hours to leave the country.

The BBC reports that Venezuela has been in an economic freefall for a number of years under maduro’s leadership.

Hyperinflation and key shortages, including of food, has forced millions out of the country. Several of those fleeing the country have ventured over to Guyana.

Recently Guyana joined other OAS countries in not recognizing the new Maduro presidency.   Guyana and Venezuela continue to share testy relations over Venezuela’s continuing claim of Guyana’s territory.

 

 

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