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{{Short description|Political crisis in Venezuela from 2019 to 2023}} | ||
{{use American English|date= |
{{use American English|date=January 2023}} | ||
{{use dmy dates|date= |
{{use dmy dates|date=January 2023}} | ||
{{update|date=January 2022}} | |||
{{Infobox civil conflict | {{Infobox civil conflict | ||
|title=Venezuelan presidential crisis | | title = Venezuelan presidential crisis | ||
|partof=the ] | | partof = the ] | ||
| image = {{Multiple image | |||
|image={{nowrap|] ]}} | |||
| total_width = 275 | |||
|caption=] (left) and ] (right) | |||
| image1 = Juan Guaidó february 2020.jpg | |||
|date={{Start date|2019|1|10|df=y}} – ongoing<br>({{Age in years, months and days|year= 2019|month= 1|day= 10}}) | |||
| image2 = Nicolás Maduro (2019-10-25) 02.jpg | |||
|place= ] | |||
| border = infobox | |||
|coordinates= | |||
}} | |||
|causes= | |||
| caption = ] (left) and ] (right) | |||
| date = {{Start date|2019|1|10|df=y}} – {{end date|2023|1|5|df=y}} ({{Age in years, months and days|10 January 2019|5 January 2023|sep=and}}) | |||
| place = ] | |||
| coordinates = | |||
| causes = | |||
*Disputed results of the ]<ref name=BriefingNYT>{{cite news |title= Climate Change, U.S. Shutdown, Michael Cohen: Your Friday Briefing |author= Bullock, Penn |work= New York Times (Online) |date= 10 January 2019 |via=ProQuest |quote= President Nicolás Maduro was inaugurated for a second term after an election last year that was widely considered illegitimate — and despite a plummeting economy and skyrocketing violence, hunger and migration.}} Also available </ref> | *Disputed results of the ]<ref name=BriefingNYT>{{cite news |title= Climate Change, U.S. Shutdown, Michael Cohen: Your Friday Briefing |author= Bullock, Penn |work= New York Times (Online) |date= 10 January 2019 |via=ProQuest |quote= President Nicolás Maduro was inaugurated for a second term after an election last year that was widely considered illegitimate — and despite a plummeting economy and skyrocketing violence, hunger and migration.}} Also available </ref> | ||
*National Assembly declared Maduro a usurper of the presidency on the day of ]<ref name="bbc.com">{{cite news|work=BBC|date=21 January 2019|url=https://www.bbc.com/mundo/noticias-america-latina-46952641|title=El Tribunal Supremo de Justicia de Venezuela declara "inconstitucional" a la Asamblea Nacional y anula el nombramiento de Juan Guaidó como su presidente|access-date=29 January 2019}}</ref> | *National Assembly declared Maduro a usurper of the presidency on the day of ]<ref name="bbc.com">{{cite news|work=BBC|date=21 January 2019|url=https://www.bbc.com/mundo/noticias-america-latina-46952641|title=El Tribunal Supremo de Justicia de Venezuela declara "inconstitucional" a la Asamblea Nacional y anula el nombramiento de Juan Guaidó como su presidente|access-date=29 January 2019}}</ref> | ||
*The ] declared the National Assembly to be "unconstitutional"<ref name="bbc.com"/> | *The ] declared the National Assembly to be "unconstitutional"<ref name="bbc.com"/> | ||
*Guaidó |
*Guaidó is declared as acting president and takes the presidential oath on 23 January<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.wsj.com/articles/what-the-hell-is-going-on-how-a-tiny-cabal-galvanized-venezuelas-opposition-11549555626|title='What the Hell Is Going On?' How a Small Group Seized Control of Venezuela's Opposition|last1=Luhnow|first1=David|date=2019-02-07|work=The Wall Street Journal|access-date=2019-06-02|last2=Forero|first2=Juan|language=en-US|issn=0099-9660|last3=Córdoba|first3=José de}}</ref><ref name=GuaidoSwears>{{cite web|url= https://edition.cnn.com/americas/live-news/venezuela-protests-2019/index.html|title=National Assembly President Juan Guaido swears himself in as President of Venezuela|website=CNN|date=29 January 2019|access-date=23 January 2019}}</ref> | ||
|goals= | | goals = | ||
* End of Maduro's government | |||
|methods=], support campaigns, foreign diplomatic pressure and ] | |||
* Transition government | |||
|status=Ongoing | |||
* Free and fair presidential elections | |||
*Juan Guaidó recognized as Venezuela's acting president by more than 50 countries, while Nicolás Maduro is recognized as the election winner by 20 countries. Other countries do not take a position on the election winner, and pre-election ] remains. | |||
| methods = ], support campaigns, foreign diplomatic pressure and ] | |||
*Diplomatic and military desertions | |||
| result = ''']'''<br> | |||
*The ] (OAS) declares Nicolás Maduro's presidency illegitimate and urges new elections | |||
*Seeking a unified front for 2024 elections, opposition parties dissolved Guaidó's interim government in late 2022, stating that it had failed to achieve its goals | |||
*The ] recognizes the Maduro government as the legal representative of Venezuela | |||
*Maduro sought re-election in the ] | |||
|result= | |||
|side2={{flagicon|Venezuela|state}} '''Incumbent government''' | | side2 = {{flagicon|Venezuela|state}} '''Incumbent government''' | ||
*] ] | *] ] | ||
* ] <small>(])</small> | |||
*] ] | *] ] | ||
*] ] | *] ] | ||
*] ] | *] ] | ||
---- | ---- | ||
*] | *] | ||
|side1={{flagicon|Venezuela|1930}} '''Transitional government''' | | side1 = {{flagicon|Venezuela|1930}} '''Transitional government''' | ||
*] ] | *] ] <small>(])</small> | ||
*] ] | *] ] | ||
---- | ---- | ||
*] | *] | ||
|leadfigures1= ''']''' | | leadfigures1 = ''']''' | ||
|leadfigures2= ''']''' | | leadfigures2 = ''']''' | ||
|howmany1= | | howmany1 = | ||
|howmany2= | | howmany2 = | ||
|map_type= | | map_type = | ||
|map_size= | | map_size = | ||
| map_label= | | map_label = | ||
|map_caption= | | map_caption = | ||
|width= | | width = | ||
| image1= | | image1 = | ||
|image2= | | image2 = | ||
|map_relief= | | map_relief = | ||
|map_mark= | | map_mark = | ||
|map_marksize= | | map_marksize = | ||
| territory= | | territory = | ||
| sidebox={{Crisis in Bolivarian Venezuela short}} {{Campaignbox 2019 South American protests}} | | sidebox = {{Crisis in Bolivarian Venezuela short}} {{Campaignbox 2019 South American protests}} | ||
}} | }} | ||
The '''Venezuelan presidential crisis''' was a political crisis concerning the leadership and the legitimate ] between 2019 and 2023, with the ] for ] or ]. | |||
The '''Venezuelan presidential crisis''' is an ongoing political crisis concerning the leadership and the legitimate ] which has been contested since 10 January 2019, with the ] for ] or ]. The process and results of the ] were widely disputed.<ref name="BriefingNYT" /><ref name="bbc.com" /> The opposition-majority ] declared Maduro a "usurper" of the presidency on the day of his ] and disclosed a plan to set forth its president Guaidó as the succeeding ] of the country under article 233 of the ].<ref name="bbc.com" /><ref name="Rectifica">{{cite web|url=http://efectococuyo.com/principales/prensa-de-la-an-rectifica-comunicado-que-proclama-a-juan-guaido-presidente-de-la-republica/|title=Prensa de la AN rectifica comunicado que proclama a Juan Guaidó Presidente de la República|website=Efecto Cocuyo|access-date=12 January 2019|date=11 January 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190702155934/http://efectococuyo.com/principales/prensa-de-la-an-rectifica-comunicado-que-proclama-a-juan-guaido-presidente-de-la-republica/|archive-date=2 July 2019|url-status=dead}}</ref> A week later, the ] declared that the presidency of the National Assembly was the "usurper" of authority and declared the body to be unconstitutional.<ref name="bbc.com"/> | |||
Minutes after Maduro took the oath as president, the ] (OAS) approved a resolution in a special session of its Permanent Council declaring Maduro's presidency illegitimate and urging new elections.<ref name="VivoDebate">{{cite news|url=https://www.infobae.com/america/venezuela/2019/01/10/en-vivo-la-oea-debate-en-sesion-extraordinaria-la-asuncion-de-nicolas-maduro/|title=La OEA aprobó la resolución que declara ilegítimo al nuevo gobierno de Nicolás Maduro|date=10 January 2019|work=Infobae|language=es|trans-title=The OAS approved the resolution that declared the new government of Nicolás Maduro illegitimate}}</ref> Special meetings of the OAS on 24 January and in the ] on 26 January were held but no consensus was reached. ] ] called for dialogue.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://news.un.org/en/story/2019/01/1031382|title=UN political chief calls for dialogue to ease tensions in Venezuela; Security Council divided over path to end crisis|access-date=29 January 2019|publisher=UN News |date= 26 January 2019}}</ref> During the 49th ] on 27 June, Guaidó's presidency was recognized by the organization.<ref name="InfobaerespaldoUBN">{{Cite news|url=https://www.infobae.com/america/america-latina/2019/06/27/mexico-uruguay-bolivia-y-nicaragua-respaldaron-al-regimen-de-maduro-e-intentaron-desplazar-al-enviado-guaido-de-la-asamblea-de-la-oea/|title=México, Uruguay, Bolivia y Nicaragua respaldaron al régimen de Maduro e intentaron desplazar al enviado de Guaidó de la Asamblea de la OEA|date=27 June 2019|work=Infobae|publisher=EFE|language=es|quote=Si se convalidan las credenciales (por las del enviado de Guaidó) se reconoce un nuevo gobierno de Venezuela y Uruguay eso no lo puede aceptar}}</ref> Guaidó declared |
] is engulfed in a political and economic crisis which has led to more than seven million people leaving the country since 2015. The process and results of the ] were widely disputed.<ref name="BriefingNYT" /><ref name="bbc.com" /> The opposition-majority ] declared Maduro a usurper of the presidency on the day of his ] and disclosed a plan to set forth its president Guaidó as the succeeding ] of the country under article 233 of the ].<ref name="bbc.com" /><ref name="Rectifica">{{cite web|url=http://efectococuyo.com/principales/prensa-de-la-an-rectifica-comunicado-que-proclama-a-juan-guaido-presidente-de-la-republica/|title=Prensa de la AN rectifica comunicado que proclama a Juan Guaidó Presidente de la República|website=Efecto Cocuyo|access-date=12 January 2019|date=11 January 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190702155934/http://efectococuyo.com/principales/prensa-de-la-an-rectifica-comunicado-que-proclama-a-juan-guaido-presidente-de-la-republica/|archive-date=2 July 2019|url-status=dead}}</ref> A week later, the ] declared that the presidency of the National Assembly was the "usurper" of authority and declared the body to be unconstitutional.<ref name="bbc.com" /> Minutes after Maduro took the oath as president, the ] (OAS) approved a resolution in a special session of its Permanent Council declaring Maduro's presidency illegitimate and urging new elections.<ref name="VivoDebate">{{cite news|url=https://www.infobae.com/america/venezuela/2019/01/10/en-vivo-la-oea-debate-en-sesion-extraordinaria-la-asuncion-de-nicolas-maduro/|title=La OEA aprobó la resolución que declara ilegítimo al nuevo gobierno de Nicolás Maduro|date=10 January 2019|work=Infobae|language=es|trans-title=The OAS approved the resolution that declared the new government of Nicolás Maduro illegitimate}}</ref> Special meetings of the OAS on 24 January and in the ] on 26 January were held but no consensus was reached. ] ] called for dialogue.<ref name=":8">{{cite news|url=https://news.un.org/en/story/2019/01/1031382|title=UN political chief calls for dialogue to ease tensions in Venezuela; Security Council divided over path to end crisis|access-date=29 January 2019|publisher=UN News |date= 26 January 2019}}</ref> During the 49th ] on 27 June, Guaidó's presidency was recognized by the organization.<ref name="InfobaerespaldoUBN">{{Cite news|url=https://www.infobae.com/america/america-latina/2019/06/27/mexico-uruguay-bolivia-y-nicaragua-respaldaron-al-regimen-de-maduro-e-intentaron-desplazar-al-enviado-guaido-de-la-asamblea-de-la-oea/|title=México, Uruguay, Bolivia y Nicaragua respaldaron al régimen de Maduro e intentaron desplazar al enviado de Guaidó de la Asamblea de la OEA|date=27 June 2019|work=Infobae|publisher=EFE|language=es|quote=Si se convalidan las credenciales (por las del enviado de Guaidó) se reconoce un nuevo gobierno de Venezuela y Uruguay eso no lo puede aceptar}}</ref> Guaidó and the National Assembly declared he was acting president and swore himself in on 23 January.<ref name="GuaidoSwears" /> | ||
Guaidó was ] by about 60 countries; Maduro by about 20 countries.<ref name=economistmoredollars /><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.nbcnews.com/news/latino/troops-revolted-against-venezuela-s-maduro-have-fled-country-n1098416|title=Troops that revolted against Venezuela's Maduro have fled the country|date=9 December 2019|website=]|language=en|access-date=2019-12-27|quote=National Assembly President Juan Guaidó, who is recognized as |
At his peak, Guaidó was ] by about 60 countries, despite never running as president; Maduro by about 20 countries.<ref name=economistmoredollars /><ref name=":23">{{Cite web|url=https://www.nbcnews.com/news/latino/troops-revolted-against-venezuela-s-maduro-have-fled-country-n1098416|title=Troops that revolted against Venezuela's Maduro have fled the country|date=9 December 2019|website=]|language=en|access-date=2019-12-27|quote=National Assembly President Juan Guaidó, who is recognized as Venezuela's rightful leader by the U.S. and some 60 countries}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.efe.com/efe/english/portada/venezuelan-gov-t-opposition-blame-each-other-for-blackouts/50000260-3939941|title=Venezuelan gov't, opposition blame each other for blackouts|website=]|language=en|access-date=2019-12-27|quote=Juan Guaido, acknowledged as interim president of Venezuela by some 60 countries}}</ref> However, Guaidó's international support waned over time.<ref name="Lawler">{{Cite web |last=Lawler |first=Dave |date=2023-01-04 |title=U.S. no longer recognizes Guaidó as Venezuela's president, Biden official confirms |url=https://www.axios.com/2023/01/04/us-stops-recognizing-juan-guaido-venezuela |access-date=2023-01-05 |website=Axios |language=en}}</ref> Internationally, support followed geopolitical lines, with Russia, China, Cuba, Iran, Syria, and Turkey supporting Maduro, while the majority of ] and ]n countries supported Guaidó as acting president.<ref name=economistmoredollars>{{Cite news|url=https://www.economist.com/the-americas/2019/12/18/more-dollars-and-fewer-protests-in-venezuela|title=More dollars and fewer protests in Venezuela|date=2019-12-18|newspaper=]|access-date=2019-12-27|issn=0013-0613|quote=Most Western and Latin American countries recognise Mr Guaidó's claim}}</ref><ref name="FamiliarGeo">{{cite news |url= https://www.apnews.com/6b7fa7cc566f486cb974362168f1d90d |title= Venezuela crisis: Familiar geopolitical sides take shape |author= Vasilyeva, Nataliya |date = 24 January 2019 | access-date= 25 February 2019 |work=Associated Press}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.reuters.com/article/us-venezuela-politics-latam/maduro-isolated-as-latin-american-nations-back-venezuela-opposition-leader-idUSKCN1PI01J|title=Maduro isolated as Latin American nations back Venezuela opposition leader|date=24 January 2019|access-date=22 December 2019|work=]}}</ref> Support for Guaidó began to decline when a ] failed to materialize.<ref name="RECOGdecline2">*{{cite web|author=Rodríguez, Jesús A|date=8 May 2019|title=We are going to take over the premises|url=https://politi.co/2J9PRjd|access-date=10 May 2019|website=]|quote=In Venezuela, though the number of people who say they recognize Guaidó as the legitimate president has dwindled to about 50 percent since January, his approval remains much stronger than Maduro's abysmal 4 percent.}} | ||
*{{cite news|author=Wyss, Jim|date=6 May 2019|title=As Guaido's popularity in Venezuela begins to dwindle, what's next for the opposition?|work=]|agency=]|url=https://www.chicagotribune.com/sns-tns-bc-venezuela-guaido-20190506-story.html|access-date=10 May 2019|quote=... last week's failed military uprising and a spate of violent but fruitless demonstrations have some wondering if Guaido, and the opposition at large, have what it takes to oust Maduro ... A poll released Monday by Caracas-based Meganalisis found that Guaido's approval ratings dropped to 50 percent, down from 84 percent in January. He's still far more popular than Maduro whose approval rating is at 4 percent but the precipitous drop can't be ignored ...|archive-date=10 May 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190510035820/https://www.chicagotribune.com/sns-tns-bc-venezuela-guaido-20190506-story.html|url-status=dead}} | |||
*{{cite news|last1=Casoni|first1=Giampiero|date=7 May 2019|title=Venezuela, il gradimento di Guaidò cala a picco: meno 34% in soli tre mesi|language=it-IT|work=Ci Siamo|url=https://www.cisiamo.info/mondo/2019/05/07/venezuela-gradimento-guaido/|access-date=10 May 2019|quote=The popularity of Juan Guaidò is in sharp decline and the 'liberator' of Venezuela seems to have exhausted the original propulsive thrust ... At the center of this drop in consensus, especially the failure (because of its failure) of the coup in recent weeks ...|archive-date=10 May 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190510035824/https://www.cisiamo.info/mondo/2019/05/07/venezuela-gradimento-guaido/|url-status=dead}}</ref><ref name="bloombergtrumprevisitsv">{{cite news|date=6 December 2019|title=Trump Weighs More-Muscular Venezuela Moves on Doubts Over Guaido|agency=Bloomberg News|url=https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2019-12-06/trump-revisits-venezuela-strategy-as-confidence-in-guaido-wanes|access-date=2019-12-09}}</ref> Following the failed uprising, representatives of Guaidó and Maduro began mediation, with the assistance of the Norwegian Centre for Conflict Resolution.<ref name=":13">{{cite news|date=17 May 2019|title=Guaidó confirma contactos y anuncia la 'liberación' de Simonovis|language=es|agency=Euronews|url=https://es.euronews.com/2019/05/17/guaido-confirma-contactos-y-anuncia-la-liberacion-de-simonovis}}</ref> After the second meeting in Norway, no deal was reached.<ref name=":14">{{Cite news|date=29 May 2019|title=Meeting between envoys for Venezuela's government, opposition ends with no deal|work=Reuters|url=https://www.reuters.com/article/us-venezuela-politics-norway/meeting-between-envoys-for-venezuelas-government-opposition-ends-with-no-deal-idUSKCN1SZ2BF|access-date=29 May 2019}}</ref> In July 2019 negotiations started again in ] with representatives from both sides.<ref name=":15">{{Cite web|title=Oposición y oficialismo retoman negociaciones en Barbados|url=https://www.voanoticias.com/a/venezuela-dialogos-gobierno-oposicion-retoman-negociaciones-enferntamiento-barbados/4992713.html|access-date=12 July 2019|website=Voz de América|date=9 July 2019 |language=es}}</ref><ref name=":16">{{Cite web|date=9 July 2019|title=Gobierno de Maduro irá a reunión en Barbados con un "ala rota", según expertos|url=https://talcualdigital.com/index.php/2019/07/09/gobierno-de-maduro-ira-a-reunion-en-barbados-con-un-ala-rota-segun-expertos/|access-date=12 July 2019|website=TalCual|language=es}}</ref><ref name=":17">{{Cite web|last=vuelta -|first=ALnavío-Noticias de ida y|title=Cómo el informe Bachelet presiona las negociaciones de Guaidó y Maduro en Barbados|url=https://alnavio.com/noticia/19214/actualidad/como-el-informe-bachelet-presiona-las-negociaciones-de-guaido-y-maduro-en-barbados.html|access-date=12 July 2019|website=ALnavío – Noticias de ida y vuelta -|language=es|archive-date=3 June 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200603231327/https://alnavio.com/noticia/19214/actualidad/como-el-informe-bachelet-presiona-las-negociaciones-de-guaido-y-maduro-en-barbados.html|url-status=dead}}</ref> In September, Guaidó announced the end of dialogue following a forty-day absence by the Maduro government as a protest against the ]. In March 2020, the ] proposed a transitional government that would exclude both Maduro and Guaidó from the presidency.<ref name=":182">{{cite news|last1=Faiola|first1=Anthony|last2=Morello|first2=Carol|date=31 March 2020|title=U.S. proposes transitional government for Venezuela, without Maduro or Guaidó|newspaper=]|url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/world/the_americas/us-proposes-transitional-government-for-venezuela-without-maduro-or-guaido/2020/03/31/8642a99a-7352-11ea-ad9b-254ec99993bc_story.html|access-date=31 March 2020}}</ref> U.S. Secretary of State ] said that sanctions did not apply to humanitarian aid during the ] and that the United States would lift all sanctions if Maduro agreed to organize elections that did not include himself.<ref name=":19">{{cite web|date=March 31, 2020|title=Mike Pompeo dijo que EEUU levantará las sanciones a Venezuela si el chavismo acepta ir a elecciones libres|trans-title=Mike Pompeo said that the US will lift sanctions against Venezuela if Chavismo agrees to go to free elections|url=https://www.infobae.com/america/venezuela/2020/03/31/mike-pompeo-dijo-que-eeuu-levantara-las-sanciones-a-venezuela-si-el-chavismo-acepta-ir-a-elecciones-libres-sin-maduro-ni-guaido/|website=Infobae Mexico|language=es}}</ref> Guaidó accepted the proposal,<ref name=":20">{{Cite web|date=1 April 2020|title=Guaidó acepta el gobierno de transición que propone EEUU|url=https://www.atlantico.net/articulo/mundo/guaido-acepta-gobierno-transicion-propone-eeuu/20200401004816766792.html|website=Atlántico|language=es}}</ref> while Venezuela's foreign minister, ], rejected it.<ref name=":21">{{Cite web|date=31 March 2020|title=Arreaza rechaza la propuesta de EEUU para una "transición democrática" en Venezuela|url=https://www.europapress.es/internacional/noticia-arreaza-rechaza-propuesta-eeuu-transicion-democratica-venezuela-20200331184928.html|access-date=1 April 2020|website=]|language=es}}</ref> | |||
By January 2020, efforts led by Guaidó to create a transitional government had been unsuccessful and Maduro continued to control Venezuela's state institutions.<ref name="DWthousandsnovember">{{Cite web|date=16 November 2019|title=Venezuela: Thousands take to the streets of Caracas for rival protests|url=https://www.dw.com/en/venezuela-thousands-take-to-the-streets-of-caracas-for-rival-protests/a-51280074|access-date=2019-12-04|website=]|language=en-GB}}</ref><ref name="AJnovGuaidocalls">{{Cite web|title=Venezuela: Rival rallies held as Guaido calls for daily protests|url=https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2019/11/venezuela-rival-rallies-held-guaido-calls-daily-protests-191117060107276.html|access-date=2019-12-04|website=]}}</ref><ref name="reutersmissedhismoment">{{Cite news|date=2019-12-03|title='Missed his moment': opposition corruption scandal undermines Venezuela's Guaido|language=en|work=]|url=https://www.reuters.com/article/us-venezuela-politics-analysis-idUSKBN1Y72BB|access-date=2019-12-04}}</ref> In January 2021, the ] stopped recognizing Guaidó as president, but still did not recognize Maduro as the legitimate president;<ref name=":24" /> the ] reaffirmed its recognition of Guaidó as president,<ref name=":25">{{Cite web |date=2021-01-21 |title=MEPs: Juan Guaidó is the legitimate interim President of Venezuela |url=https://www.europarl.europa.eu/news/en/press-room/20210114IPR95633/meps-juan-guaido-is-the-legitimate-interim-president-of-venezuela |access-date=2023-01-21 |website=]}}</ref><ref name=":26">{{Cite web |title=Juan Guaidó remains legitimate interim president, according to European Parliament |url=https://agenceurope.eu/en/bulletin/article/12641/9 |access-date=2023-01-21 |website=Agence Europe}}</ref> and the EU threatened with further ].<ref name=":24">{{Cite news|last=Emmott|first=Robin|date=2021-01-06|title=EU no longer acknowledges Venezuela's Guaido as interim president|language=en|work=Reuters|url=https://www.reuters.com/article/us-venezuela-election-eu-idUSKBN29B2A9|access-date=2021-01-07}}</ref> After the announcement of regional elections in 2021, Guaidó announced a "national salvation agreement" and proposed the negotiation with Maduro with a schedule for free and fair elections, with international support and observers, in exchange for lifting international sanctions.<ref name=":22">{{Cite web|date=2021-05-11|title=Juan Guaidó abre la puerta a la negociación con Nicolás Maduro al invocar un acuerdo de salvación nacional|url=https://www.elmundo.es/internacional/2021/05/11/609ac387fc6c83506e8b460d.html|access-date=2021-05-14|website=]}}</ref> | |||
Support for Guaidó has declined since a ].<ref name="RECOGdecline2">* {{cite web|author=Rodríguez, Jesús A|date=8 May 2019|title=We are going to take over the premises|url=https://politi.co/2J9PRjd|access-date=10 May 2019|website=]|quote=In Venezuela, though the number of people who say they recognize Guaidó as the legitimate president has dwindled to about 50 percent since January, his approval remains much stronger than Maduro's abysmal 4 percent.}} | |||
* {{cite news|author=Wyss, Jim|date=6 May 2019|title=As Guaido's popularity in Venezuela begins to dwindle, what's next for the opposition?|work=]|agency=]|url=https://www.chicagotribune.com/sns-tns-bc-venezuela-guaido-20190506-story.html|access-date=10 May 2019|quote=... last week's failed military uprising and a spate of violent but fruitless demonstrations have some wondering if Guaido, and the opposition at large, have what it takes to oust Maduro ... A poll released Monday by Caracas-based Meganalisis found that Guaido's approval ratings dropped to 50 percent, down from 84 percent in January. He's still far more popular than Maduro whose approval rating is at 4 percent but the precipitous drop can't be ignored ...}} | |||
* {{cite news|last1=Casoni|first1=Giampiero|date=7 May 2019|title=Venezuela, il gradimento di Guaidò cala a picco: meno 34% in soli tre mesi|language=it-IT|work=Ci Siamo|url=https://www.cisiamo.info/mondo/2019/05/07/venezuela-gradimento-guaido/|access-date=10 May 2019|quote=The popularity of Juan Guaidò is in sharp decline and the 'liberator' of Venezuela seems to have exhausted the original propulsive thrust ... At the center of this drop in consensus, especially the failure (because of its failure) of the coup in recent weeks ...}}</ref><ref name="bloombergtrumprevisitsv">{{cite news|date=6 December 2019|title=Trump Weighs More-Muscular Venezuela Moves on Doubts Over Guaido|agency=Bloomberg News|url=https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2019-12-06/trump-revisits-venezuela-strategy-as-confidence-in-guaido-wanes|access-date=2019-12-09}}</ref> Following the failed uprising, representatives of Guaidó and Maduro began mediation, with the assistance of the Norwegian Centre for Conflict Resolution.<ref name=":13">{{cite news|date=17 May 2019|title=Guaidó confirma contactos y anuncia la 'liberación' de Simonovis|language=es|agency=Euronews|url=https://es.euronews.com/2019/05/17/guaido-confirma-contactos-y-anuncia-la-liberacion-de-simonovis}}</ref> After the second meeting in Norway, no deal was reached.<ref name=":14">{{Cite news|date=29 May 2019|title=Meeting between envoys for Venezuela's government, opposition ends with no deal|work=Reuters|url=https://www.reuters.com/article/us-venezuela-politics-norway/meeting-between-envoys-for-venezuelas-government-opposition-ends-with-no-deal-idUSKCN1SZ2BF|access-date=29 May 2019}}</ref> On 9 July 2019 negotiations started again in ] with representatives from both sides.<ref name=":15">{{Cite web|title=Oposición y oficialismo retoman negociaciones en Barbados|url=https://www.voanoticias.com/a/venezuela-dialogos-gobierno-oposicion-retoman-negociaciones-enferntamiento-barbados/4992713.html|access-date=12 July 2019|website=Voz de América|language=es}}</ref><ref name=":16">{{Cite web|date=9 July 2019|title=Gobierno de Maduro irá a reunión en Barbados con un "ala rota", según expertos|url=https://talcualdigital.com/index.php/2019/07/09/gobierno-de-maduro-ira-a-reunion-en-barbados-con-un-ala-rota-segun-expertos/|access-date=12 July 2019|website=TalCual|language=es}}</ref><ref name=":17">{{Cite web|last=vuelta -|first=ALnavío-Noticias de ida y|title=Cómo el informe Bachelet presiona las negociaciones de Guaidó y Maduro en Barbados|url=https://alnavio.com/noticia/19214/actualidad/como-el-informe-bachelet-presiona-las-negociaciones-de-guaido-y-maduro-en-barbados.html|access-date=12 July 2019|website=ALnavío - Noticias de ida y vuelta -|language=es|archive-date=3 June 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200603231327/https://alnavio.com/noticia/19214/actualidad/como-el-informe-bachelet-presiona-las-negociaciones-de-guaido-y-maduro-en-barbados.html|url-status=dead}}</ref> On 15 September, Guaidó announced that the opposition concluded the dialogue after the absence of the government in the negotiations for forty days as a protest to the recent sanctions by the United States.{{Cita requerida|date=July 2021}} In late March 2020, the ] proposed a transitional government that would exclude both Maduro and Guaidó from the presidency.<ref name=":182">{{cite news|last1=Faiola|first1=Anthony|last2=Morello|first2=Carol|date=31 March 2020|title=U.S. proposes transitional government for Venezuela, without Maduro or Guaidó|newspaper=]|url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/world/the_americas/us-proposes-transitional-government-for-venezuela-without-maduro-or-guaido/2020/03/31/8642a99a-7352-11ea-ad9b-254ec99993bc_story.html|access-date=31 March 2020}}</ref> U.S. Secretary of State ] said that sanctions did not apply to humanitarian aid during the ] and that the United States would ] if Maduro agreed to organize elections that did not include himself in a period of six to twelve months.<ref name=":19">{{cite web|date=March 31, 2020|title=Mike Pompeo dijo que EEUU levantará las sanciones a Venezuela si el chavismo acepta ir a elecciones libres|trans-title=Mike Pompeo said that the US will lift sanctions against Venezuela if Chavismo agrees to go to free elections|url=https://www.infobae.com/america/venezuela/2020/03/31/mike-pompeo-dijo-que-eeuu-levantara-las-sanciones-a-venezuela-si-el-chavismo-acepta-ir-a-elecciones-libres-sin-maduro-ni-guaido/|website=Infobae Mexico|language=es}}</ref> Guaidó accepted the proposal,<ref name=":20">{{Cite web|date=1 April 2020|title=Guaidó acepta el gobierno de transición que propone EEUU|url=https://www.atlantico.net/articulo/mundo/guaido-acepta-gobierno-transicion-propone-eeuu/20200401004816766792.html|website=Atlántico|language=es}}</ref> while Venezuela's foreign minister, ], rejected it and declared that only parliamentary elections would take place that year.<ref name=":21">{{Cite web|date=31 March 2020|title=Arreaza rechaza la propuesta de EEUU para una "transición democrática" en Venezuela|url=https://www.europapress.es/internacional/noticia-arreaza-rechaza-propuesta-eeuu-transicion-democratica-venezuela-20200331184928.html|access-date=1 April 2020|website=]|language=es}}</ref> | |||
In December 2022, three of the four main opposition political parties (], ] and ]) backed and approved a reform to dissolve the interim government and create a commission of five members to manage foreign assets, as deputies sought a united strategy ahead of the ],<ref name=":1">{{Cite news |last=Armas |first=Mayela |date=2022-12-31 |title=Venezuela opposition removes interim President Guaido |language=en |work=] |url=https://www.reuters.com/world/americas/venezuela-opposition-removes-interim-president-guaido-2022-12-31/ |access-date=2022-12-31}}</ref><ref name=":3">{{Cite web |last=Martínez |first=Deisy |date=2022-12-30 |title=AN de 2015 aprueba su extensión por otro año y elimina gobierno interino |trans-title=2015 NA approves its extension for one more year and eliminates interim government |url=https://efectococuyo.com/politica/an-de-2015-aprueba-su-extension-por-un-ano-mas-y-elimina-gobierno-interino/ |access-date=2022-12-31 |website=] |language=es}}</ref> stating that the interim government had failed to achieve the goals it had set.<ref name=":7">{{Cite web |last= |date=2022-12-30 |title=Mayoría de la AN-2015 ratifica disolución del Gobierno interino |url=https://talcualdigital.com/an-2015-debate-eliminacion-del-gobierno-interino-en-segunda-discusion/ |access-date=2022-12-31 |website=] |language=es |quote=Hemos tenido algo que pasó de ser provisional a convertirse en algo perpetuo. Y no se celebraron las elecciones, de manera que el artículo 233 perdió su razón de ser para justificar el gobierno interino.}}</ref>{{TOC limit|3}} | |||
By January 2020, efforts led by Guaidó to create a transitional government have been described as unsuccessful by various analysts and media networks, with Maduro continuing to control Venezuela's state institutions.<ref name="DWthousandsnovember">{{Cite web|date=16 November 2019|title=Venezuela: Thousands take to the streets of Caracas for rival protests|url=https://www.dw.com/en/venezuela-thousands-take-to-the-streets-of-caracas-for-rival-protests/a-51280074|access-date=2019-12-04|website=]|language=en-GB}}</ref><ref name="AJnovGuaidocalls">{{Cite web|title=Venezuela: Rival rallies held as Guaido calls for daily protests|url=https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2019/11/venezuela-rival-rallies-held-guaido-calls-daily-protests-191117060107276.html|access-date=2019-12-04|website=]}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news|title=In Venezuela, Juan Guaidó's Campaign Faces New Difficulties|url=https://www.npr.org/2019/09/25/764390079/in-venezuela-juan-guaid-s-campaign-faces-new-difficulties|access-date=2019-12-04|website=]|language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|title=American-based Citgo targeted in fight for control of Venezuela|url=https://www.washingtontimes.com/news/2019/aug/15/citgo-venezuela-fight-between-nicolas-maduro-juan-/|access-date=2019-12-04|website=]|language=en-US}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|date=29 June 2019|title=Months after failing to oust Maduro, Guaido has few cards left to play — and not long to play them|url=https://www.cbc.ca/news/world/venezuela-corruption-guiado-maduro-coup-abrams-1.5191288|access-date=4 December 2019|website=]}}</ref><ref name="reutersmissedhismoment">{{Cite news|date=2019-12-03|title='Missed his moment': opposition corruption scandal undermines Venezuela's Guaido|language=en|work=]|url=https://www.reuters.com/article/us-venezuela-politics-analysis-idUSKBN1Y72BB|access-date=2019-12-04}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news|date=3 December 2019|title=Guaido Weakened as Venezuela Legislature Probes Corruption Claim|url=https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2019-12-03/guaido-weakens-as-venezuela-legislature-probes-corruption-claim|access-date=2019-12-04|website=bloomberg.com}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|date=2019-10-07|title=Juan Guaido's Straitjacket|url=https://panampost.com/orlando-avendano/2019/10/07/juan-guaidos-straitjacket/|access-date=2019-12-04|website=]|language=en-US|archive-date=11 December 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191211213953/https://panampost.com/orlando-avendano/2019/10/07/juan-guaidos-straitjacket/|url-status=dead}}</ref> As of 6 January 2021, the ] stopped recognizing Guaidó as president but still does not recognize Maduro as the legitimate president, threatening with further ].<ref>{{Cite news|last=Emmott|first=Robin|date=2021-01-06|title=EU no longer acknowledges Venezuela's Guaido as interim president|language=en|work=Reuters|url=https://www.reuters.com/article/us-venezuela-election-eu-idUSKBN29B2A9|access-date=2021-01-07}}</ref> | |||
After the announcement of regional elections in 2021, Guaidó announced a "national salvation agreement" and proposed the negotiation with Maduro with a schedule for free and fair elections, with international support and observers, in exchange of lifting the ].<ref name=":22">{{Cite web|date=2021-05-11|title=Juan Guaidó abre la puerta a la negociación con Nicolás Maduro al invocar un acuerdo de salvación nacional|url=https://www.elmundo.es/internacional/2021/05/11/609ac387fc6c83506e8b460d.html|access-date=2021-05-14|website=]}}</ref> | |||
{{TOC limit|3}} | |||
== Background == | == Background == | ||
{{see also|Crisis in Venezuela|2017 Venezuelan constitutional crisis|2017 Venezuelan protests}} | {{see also|Crisis in Venezuela|2017 Venezuelan constitutional crisis|2017 Venezuelan protests}} | ||
Since 2010, Venezuela has been suffering a socioeconomic crisis under ] and briefly under his predecessor ], as rampant ], ] and ] diminish the quality of life.<ref name= SecondDay>{{cite news |url= https://www.nytimes.com/2019/03/08/world/americas/venezuela-blackout-power.html |work= New York Times | title= Venezuela blackout, in 2nd day, threatens food supplies and patient lives |date= 8 March 2019 |access-date= 18 March 2019 |quote= The Maduro administration has been responsible for grossly mismanaging the economy and plunging the country into a deep humanitarian crisis in which many people lack food and medical care. He has also attempted to crush the opposition by jailing or exiling critics, and using lethal force against antigovernment protesters.}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |title = Chavez leaves Venezuelan economy more equal, less stable |author = Kevin Voigt |url = http://edition.cnn.com/2013/03/06/business/venezuela-chavez-oil-economy/ |publisher = CNN |date = 6 March 2013 |access-date = 6 March 2013 }}<br />* {{cite news |author= Corrales, Javier |title = The House That Chavez Built |url = https://foreignpolicy.com/2013/03/07/the-house-that-chavez-built/ |access-date = 6 February 2015 |work = ] |date = 7 March 2013 }}<br />* {{cite news |author = Siegel, Robert |title = For Venezuela, Drop In Global Oil Prices Could Be Catastrophic |url = https://www.npr.org/2014/12/25/373128433/for-venezuela-drop-in-global-oil-prices-could-be-catastrophic |access-date = 4 January 2015 |publisher = ] |date = 25 December 2014 }}<br />* {{cite news|author=Lansberg-Rodríguez, Daniel|title=Coup Fatigue in Caracas|url=https://foreignpolicy.com/2015/03/15/coup-fatigue-in-caracas-venezuela-maduro/|access-date=10 July 2015|agency=]|date=15 March 2015}}<br />* {{cite news|url = http://www.economist.com/node/21526365 |access-date=23 February 2014|title=Venezuela's economy: Medieval policies|newspaper = ]|date=20 August 2011}}</ref> As a result of discontent with the government, the opposition was elected to hold the majority in the ] for the first time since 1999 following the ].<ref name="NYTmuzzle">{{cite news |last1 = Casey |first1 = Nicholas |last2 = Torres |first2 = Patricia |title = Venezuela Muzzles Legislature, Moving Closer to One-Man Rule |url = https://www.nytimes.com/2017/03/30/world/americas/venezuelas-supreme-court-takes-power-from-legislature.html|access-date = 31 March 2017 |work = ] |date = 30 March 2017 |page=A1 }}</ref> After the election, the ] National Assembly consisting of ] officials filled the ], the highest court in Venezuela, with Maduro allies.<ref name="NYTmuzzle"/><ref>{{cite news |title = Venezuela's Lame-Duck Congress Names New Supreme Court Justices |url = https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2015-12-23/venezuela-s-lame-duck-congress-names-new-supreme-court-justices |access-date = 31 March 2017 |work = Bloomberg |date = 23 December 2015}}</ref> The tribunal stripped three opposition lawmakers of their National Assembly seats in early 2016, citing alleged "irregularities" in their elections, thereby preventing an opposition ] which would have been able to challenge President Maduro.<ref name="NYTmuzzle"/> | Since 2010, Venezuela has been suffering a socioeconomic crisis under ] and briefly under his predecessor ], as rampant ], ] and ] as a result of sanctions, diminish the quality of life.<ref name= SecondDay>{{cite news |url= https://www.nytimes.com/2019/03/08/world/americas/venezuela-blackout-power.html |work= New York Times | title= Venezuela blackout, in 2nd day, threatens food supplies and patient lives |date= 8 March 2019 |access-date= 18 March 2019 |quote= The Maduro administration has been responsible for grossly mismanaging the economy and plunging the country into a deep humanitarian crisis in which many people lack food and medical care. He has also attempted to crush the opposition by jailing or exiling critics, and using lethal force against antigovernment protesters.}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |title = Chavez leaves Venezuelan economy more equal, less stable |author = Kevin Voigt |url = http://edition.cnn.com/2013/03/06/business/venezuela-chavez-oil-economy/ |publisher = CNN |date = 6 March 2013 |access-date = 6 March 2013 }}<br />* {{cite news |author= Corrales, Javier |title = The House That Chavez Built |url = https://foreignpolicy.com/2013/03/07/the-house-that-chavez-built/ |access-date = 6 February 2015 |work = ] |date = 7 March 2013 }}<br />* {{cite news |author = Siegel, Robert |title = For Venezuela, Drop In Global Oil Prices Could Be Catastrophic |url = https://www.npr.org/2014/12/25/373128433/for-venezuela-drop-in-global-oil-prices-could-be-catastrophic |access-date = 4 January 2015 |publisher = ] |date = 25 December 2014 }}<br />* {{cite news|author=Lansberg-Rodríguez, Daniel|title=Coup Fatigue in Caracas|url=https://foreignpolicy.com/2015/03/15/coup-fatigue-in-caracas-venezuela-maduro/|access-date=10 July 2015|agency=]|date=15 March 2015}}<br />* {{cite news|url = http://www.economist.com/node/21526365 |access-date=23 February 2014|title=Venezuela's economy: Medieval policies|newspaper = ]|date=20 August 2011}}</ref> Javier Corrales stated in a 2020 '']'' that Maduro "presided over one of the most devastating national economic crises seen anywhere in modern times."{{sfn|Corrales|2020|p=39}} As a result of discontent with the government, the opposition was elected to hold the majority in the ] for the first time since 1999 following the ].<ref name="NYTmuzzle">{{cite news |last1 = Casey |first1 = Nicholas |last2 = Torres |first2 = Patricia |title = Venezuela Muzzles Legislature, Moving Closer to One-Man Rule |url = https://www.nytimes.com/2017/03/30/world/americas/venezuelas-supreme-court-takes-power-from-legislature.html|access-date = 31 March 2017 |work = ] |date = 30 March 2017 |page=A1 }}</ref> After the election, the ] National Assembly consisting of ] officials filled the ], the highest court in Venezuela, with Maduro allies.<ref name="NYTmuzzle"/><ref>{{cite news |title = Venezuela's Lame-Duck Congress Names New Supreme Court Justices |url = https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2015-12-23/venezuela-s-lame-duck-congress-names-new-supreme-court-justices |access-date = 31 March 2017 |work = Bloomberg |date = 23 December 2015}}</ref> The tribunal stripped three opposition lawmakers of their National Assembly seats in early 2016, citing alleged "irregularities" in their elections, thereby preventing an opposition ] which would have been able to challenge President Maduro.<ref name="NYTmuzzle"/> | ||
In January 2016, the National Assembly declared a "health humanitarian crisis" given the "serious shortage of medicines, medical supplies and deterioration of humanitarian infrastructure", asking Maduro's government to "guarantee immediate access to the list of essential medicines that are basic and indispensable and that must be accessible at all times."<ref name=ANDeclara>{{cite news|url=https://www.bbc.com/mundo/noticias/2016/01/160125_venezuela_crisis_humanitaria_medicinas|title=Asamblea Nacional de Venezuela declara "crisis humanitaria de salud" por escasez de medicamentos|date=27 January 2016|access-date=20 February 2019|agency=BBC|language=es}}</ref> | In January 2016, the National Assembly declared a "health humanitarian crisis" given the "serious shortage of medicines, medical supplies and deterioration of humanitarian infrastructure", asking Maduro's government to "guarantee immediate access to the list of essential medicines that are basic and indispensable and that must be accessible at all times."<ref name=ANDeclara>{{cite news|url=https://www.bbc.com/mundo/noticias/2016/01/160125_venezuela_crisis_humanitaria_medicinas|title=Asamblea Nacional de Venezuela declara "crisis humanitaria de salud" por escasez de medicamentos|date=27 January 2016|access-date=20 February 2019|agency=BBC|language=es}}</ref> | ||
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The tribunal approved several actions by Maduro and granted him more powers in 2017.<ref name="NYTmuzzle" /> As protests mounted against Maduro, he called for a ] that would draft a new constitution to replace the ] created under Chávez.<ref name="USAmay">{{cite news|title=Venezuela's embattled socialist president calls for citizens congress, new constitution|url=https://www.usatoday.com/story/news/world/2017/05/01/maduro-citizens-congress/101175468/|access-date=1 May 2017|newspaper=]|agency=]|date=1 May 2017}}</ref> Many countries considered these actions a bid by Maduro to stay in power indefinitely,<ref name="suspended">{{cite web |url= https://www.reuters.com/article/us-venezuela-politics-mercosur-idUSKBN1AL0IB|title= Mercosur suspends Venezuela, urges immediate transition|author= Silvio Cascione|date= 5 August 2017|website= Reuters.com|access-date=6 August 2017}}</ref> and over 40 countries stated that they would not recognize the ] (ANC).<ref name="40nos">{{cite news|url=http://www.infobae.com/america/venezuela/2017/07/31/la-lista-de-los-40-paises-democraticos-que-hasta-el-momento-desconocieron-la-asamblea-constituyente-de-venezuela/|title=La lista de los 40 países democráticos que hasta el momento desconocieron la Asamblea Constituyente de Venezuela|date=31 July 2017|work=]|access-date=1 August 2017|language=es-LA}}</ref><ref name="VoteRigging">{{cite news|title=Venezuela: New assembly leader warns 'justice will come'|url=http://www.cnn.com/2017/08/04/americas/venezuela-assembly-first-day/index.html|date=4 August 2017|access-date=19 August 2017}}<br />{{cite news|title=As Venezuela unrest spreads, Maduro presses on with plans to rewrite charter|url=https://www.reuters.com/article/us-venezuela-politics-idUSKBN18J320|access-date=24 May 2017|work=]|date=24 May 2017}}<br />{{cite news|title=Venezuelan gov't proposes constitutional assembly election on July 30|url=http://www.efe.com/efe/english/world/venezuelan-gov-t-proposes-constitutional-assembly-election-on-july-30/50000262-3286879|access-date=6 June 2017|work=]|date=4 June 2017}}<br />{{cite news|title=40 countries protest Venezuela's new assembly amid fraud accusations|url=https://www.theguardian.com/world/2017/aug/02/venezuela-voting-fraud-corruption-allegations-protests|access-date=4 August 2017}}</ref> The ], the main opposition to the incumbent ruling party, boycotted the election, saying that the ANC was "a trick to keep in power."<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.reuters.com/article/us-venezuela-politics-idUSKBN18424I|title=Venezuela opposition boycotts meeting on Maduro assembly, clashes rage|date=8 April 2017|work=Reuters|access-date=7 August 2017}}</ref> Since the opposition did not participate in the election, the ] coalition and its supporters, including the incumbent ], won all seats in the assembly by default.<ref>{{cite news|last1=Mogollon|first1=Mery|last2=Kraul|first2=Chris|title=As Venezuelan election nears, more upheaval and cries of fraud|url=https://www.latimes.com/world/mexico-americas/la-fg-venezuela-constitution-20170730-htmlstory.html|access-date=30 July 2017|work=]|date=29 July 2017}}<br />* {{cite news|title=What are Venezuelans voting for and why is it so divisive?|url=https://www.bbc.com/news/world-latin-america-40704184|access-date=30 July 2017|work=BBC News|date=30 July 2017}}<br />* {{Cite news|url=https://www.reuters.com/article/venezuela-politics-idINKBN1AE0JM|title=Venezuelan opposition promises new tactics after Sunday's vote|author=Bronstein, Hugh|work=Reuters|date= 29 July 2017 |access-date=30 July 2017}}</ref> On 8 August 2017, the ANC declared itself to be the government branch with supreme power in Venezuela, banning the opposition-led National Assembly from performing actions that would interfere with the assembly while continuing to pass measures in "support and solidarity" with President Maduro, effectively stripping the National Assembly of all its powers.<ref>{{cite news|author=Goodman, Joshua and Fabiola Sanchez |title=New Venezuela assembly declares itself superior government branch|url=http://www.chicagotribune.com/news/nationworld/ct-venezuela-political-assembly-20170808-story.html|access-date=9 August 2017|agency=Associated Press|newspaper=]|date=8 August 2017}}</ref> | The tribunal approved several actions by Maduro and granted him more powers in 2017.<ref name="NYTmuzzle" /> As protests mounted against Maduro, he called for a ] that would draft a new constitution to replace the ] created under Chávez.<ref name="USAmay">{{cite news|title=Venezuela's embattled socialist president calls for citizens congress, new constitution|url=https://www.usatoday.com/story/news/world/2017/05/01/maduro-citizens-congress/101175468/|access-date=1 May 2017|newspaper=]|agency=]|date=1 May 2017}}</ref> According to Rafael Villa – writing in ''Defence Studies'' in 2022 – "Maduro's leadership not consensual" and among the changes he had made to overcome his "political fragility" was promoting an excessive number of officers within the military, and the election of a 2017 Constituent National Assembly to replace the opposition-led ], which was elected in 2015.{{sfn|Villa|2022|loc=sec. "Political dimension under Maduro government: expanding the autonomy of the armed forces"}}{{sfn|Corrales|2020|pp=41–42}} Many countries considered these actions a bid by Maduro to stay in power indefinitely,<ref name="suspended">{{cite web |url= https://www.reuters.com/article/us-venezuela-politics-mercosur-idUSKBN1AL0IB|title= Mercosur suspends Venezuela, urges immediate transition|author= Silvio Cascione|date= 5 August 2017|website= Reuters.com|access-date=6 August 2017}}</ref> and over 40 countries stated that they would not recognize the ] (ANC).<ref name="40nos">{{cite news|url=http://www.infobae.com/america/venezuela/2017/07/31/la-lista-de-los-40-paises-democraticos-que-hasta-el-momento-desconocieron-la-asamblea-constituyente-de-venezuela/|title=La lista de los 40 países democráticos que hasta el momento desconocieron la Asamblea Constituyente de Venezuela|date=31 July 2017|work=]|access-date=1 August 2017|language=es-LA}}</ref><ref name="VoteRigging">{{cite news|title=Venezuela: New assembly leader warns 'justice will come'|url=http://www.cnn.com/2017/08/04/americas/venezuela-assembly-first-day/index.html|date=4 August 2017|access-date=19 August 2017}}<br />{{cite news|title=As Venezuela unrest spreads, Maduro presses on with plans to rewrite charter|url=https://www.reuters.com/article/us-venezuela-politics-idUSKBN18J320|access-date=24 May 2017|work=]|date=24 May 2017}}<br />{{cite news|title=Venezuelan gov't proposes constitutional assembly election on July 30|url=http://www.efe.com/efe/english/world/venezuelan-gov-t-proposes-constitutional-assembly-election-on-july-30/50000262-3286879|access-date=6 June 2017|work=]|date=4 June 2017}}<br />{{cite news|title=40 countries protest Venezuela's new assembly amid fraud accusations|url=https://www.theguardian.com/world/2017/aug/02/venezuela-voting-fraud-corruption-allegations-protests|access-date=4 August 2017}}</ref> The ], the main opposition to the incumbent ruling party, boycotted the election, saying that the ANC was "a trick to keep in power."<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.reuters.com/article/us-venezuela-politics-idUSKBN18424I|title=Venezuela opposition boycotts meeting on Maduro assembly, clashes rage|date=8 April 2017|work=Reuters|access-date=7 August 2017}}</ref> Since the opposition did not participate in the election, the ] coalition and its supporters, including the incumbent ], won all seats in the assembly by default.<ref>{{cite news|last1=Mogollon|first1=Mery|last2=Kraul|first2=Chris|title=As Venezuelan election nears, more upheaval and cries of fraud|url=https://www.latimes.com/world/mexico-americas/la-fg-venezuela-constitution-20170730-htmlstory.html|access-date=30 July 2017|work=]|date=29 July 2017}}<br />* {{cite news|title=What are Venezuelans voting for and why is it so divisive?|url=https://www.bbc.com/news/world-latin-america-40704184|access-date=30 July 2017|work=BBC News|date=30 July 2017}}<br />* {{Cite news|url=https://www.reuters.com/article/venezuela-politics-idINKBN1AE0JM|title=Venezuelan opposition promises new tactics after Sunday's vote|author=Bronstein, Hugh|work=Reuters|date= 29 July 2017 |access-date=30 July 2017}}</ref> On 8 August 2017, the ANC declared itself to be the government branch with supreme power in Venezuela, banning the opposition-led National Assembly from performing actions that would interfere with the assembly while continuing to pass measures in "support and solidarity" with President Maduro, effectively stripping the National Assembly of all its powers.<ref>{{cite news|author=Goodman, Joshua and Fabiola Sanchez |title=New Venezuela assembly declares itself superior government branch|url=http://www.chicagotribune.com/news/nationworld/ct-venezuela-political-assembly-20170808-story.html|access-date=9 August 2017|agency=Associated Press|newspaper=]|date=8 August 2017}}</ref> | ||
Maduro disavowed the National Assembly in 2017.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.bbc.com/news/world-46821653|title=Venezuela's Maduro begins second term|date=10 January 2019|work=BBC News|access-date=11 January 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190110231014/https://www.bbc.com/news/world-46821653|archive-date=10 January 2019}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |url= https://www.cnn.com/2017/03/30/americas/venezuela-dissolves-national-assembly/index.html|publisher=CNN|title= Venezuela's high court dissolves National Assembly |author= Romo, Rafael |date= 30 March 2017 |access-date= 8 April 2019}}</ref> As of 2018, some considered the National Assembly the only "legitimate" institution left in the country{{Efn<!-- | Maduro disavowed the National Assembly in 2017.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.bbc.com/news/world-46821653|title=Venezuela's Maduro begins second term|date=10 January 2019|work=BBC News|access-date=11 January 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190110231014/https://www.bbc.com/news/world-46821653|archive-date=10 January 2019}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |url= https://www.cnn.com/2017/03/30/americas/venezuela-dissolves-national-assembly/index.html|publisher=CNN|title= Venezuela's high court dissolves National Assembly |author= Romo, Rafael |date= 30 March 2017 |access-date= 8 April 2019}}</ref> As of 2018, some considered the National Assembly the only "legitimate" institution left in the country{{Efn<!-- | ||
-->|Sources reporting on claims of the National Assembly being the "only democratically elected" or "only legitimate" political body in Venezuela include: '']'',<ref name=CameClose>{{cite news |title= Venezuela's Opposition Came Close to Ousting the President—but the Plan Fell Apart; Regime insiders in talks with opposition are said to have lost confidence in the bid to remove Maduro |via= ProQuest |work= The Wall Street Journal |author= Forero, Juan |date= 4 May 2019}}</ref> '']'',<ref name= InsidePlot>{{cite news |url= https://www.washingtonpost.com/world/the_americas/inside-the-secret-plot-to-turn-senior-venezuelan-officials-against-maduro/2019/05/13/5ad022a8-737e-11e9-8be0-ca575670e91c_story.html |newspaper= The Washington Post |date= 13 May 2019 |access-date= 14 May 2019 |author= Faiola, Anthony |title= Inside the secret plot to turn senior Venezuelan officials against Maduro}}</ref> '']'',<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.ft.com/content/839b90f8-15d4-11e9-a581-4ff78404524e|title=Venezuela's opposition vows to help end Maduro's rule|last=Long|first=Gideon|date=13 January 2019|website=]|access-date=15 January 2019|quote=... the National Assembly is the only democratically elected institution left in the country ...}}</ref> the ],<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.bbc.com/news/world-latin-america-47009301|title=Venezuela crisis: Guaido rejects talks with Maduro|access-date=31 January 2019|date=26 January 2019}}</ref> '']'',<ref>{{cite web|url=https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/international/world-news/russia-china-block-us-push-for-u-n-to-back-venezuelas-juan-guaido/articleshow/67703648.cms|title=Russia, China block US push for UN to back Venezuela's Juan Guaidó|website=Economic Times|access-date=31 January 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190201120043/https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/international/world-news/russia-china-block-us-push-for-u-n-to-back-venezuelas-juan-guaido/articleshow/67703648.cms|archive-date=1 February 2019|url-status=dead|df=dmy-all}}</ref> ],<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.ctvnews.ca/politics/freeland-says-venezuela-s-maduro-regime-is-now-fully-entrenched-as-a-dictatorship-1.4248589|title=Freeland says Venezuela's Maduro regime is now fully entrenched as a dictatorship|website=CTV|date=10 January 2019|access-date=31 January 2019}}</ref> '']'',<ref>{{cite web|url=https:// |
-->|Sources reporting on claims of the National Assembly being the "only democratically elected" or "only legitimate" political body in Venezuela include: '']'',<ref name=CameClose>{{cite news |title= Venezuela's Opposition Came Close to Ousting the President—but the Plan Fell Apart; Regime insiders in talks with opposition are said to have lost confidence in the bid to remove Maduro |via= ProQuest |work= The Wall Street Journal |author= Forero, Juan |date= 4 May 2019}}</ref> '']'',<ref name= InsidePlot>{{cite news |url= https://www.washingtonpost.com/world/the_americas/inside-the-secret-plot-to-turn-senior-venezuelan-officials-against-maduro/2019/05/13/5ad022a8-737e-11e9-8be0-ca575670e91c_story.html |newspaper= The Washington Post |date= 13 May 2019 |access-date= 14 May 2019 |author= Faiola, Anthony |title= Inside the secret plot to turn senior Venezuelan officials against Maduro}}</ref> '']'',<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.ft.com/content/839b90f8-15d4-11e9-a581-4ff78404524e|title=Venezuela's opposition vows to help end Maduro's rule|last=Long|first=Gideon|date=13 January 2019|website=]|access-date=15 January 2019|quote=... the National Assembly is the only democratically elected institution left in the country ...}}</ref> the ],<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.bbc.com/news/world-latin-america-47009301|title=Venezuela crisis: Guaido rejects talks with Maduro|access-date=31 January 2019|date=26 January 2019}}</ref> '']'',<ref>{{cite web|url=https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/international/world-news/russia-china-block-us-push-for-u-n-to-back-venezuelas-juan-guaido/articleshow/67703648.cms|title=Russia, China block US push for UN to back Venezuela's Juan Guaidó|website=Economic Times|access-date=31 January 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190201120043/https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/international/world-news/russia-china-block-us-push-for-u-n-to-back-venezuelas-juan-guaido/articleshow/67703648.cms|archive-date=1 February 2019|url-status=dead|df=dmy-all}}</ref> ],<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.ctvnews.ca/politics/freeland-says-venezuela-s-maduro-regime-is-now-fully-entrenched-as-a-dictatorship-1.4248589|title=Freeland says Venezuela's Maduro regime is now fully entrenched as a dictatorship|website=CTV|date=10 January 2019|access-date=31 January 2019}}</ref> '']'',<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.btimesonline.com/articles/107088/20190129/russia-china-greece-supports-maduro-regime.htm|title=Russia, China, Greece supports Maduro regime|website=Business Times|access-date=31 January 2019|date=29 January 2019}}</ref> ] agency,<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.kyivpost.com/world/reuters-us-pushes-un-security-council-to-back-venezuelas-guaido.html|title=Reuters: US pushes UN Security Council to back Venezuela's Guaidó|website=Kyiv Post|date=26 January 2019|access-date=31 January 2019}}</ref> ],<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.cbc.ca/news/politics/singh-ndp-liberals-venezuela-1.4991913|title=Singh calls on Trudeau to part ways with US, Brazil on Venezuela crisis|website=CBC News|access-date=31 January 2019}}</ref> etc.}} and human rights organizations said there were no independent institutional checks on presidential power.{{Efn|On unchecked power of the executive: Human Rights Watch 2018 report,<ref><!-- | ||
-->{{Efn|On unchecked power of the executive: Human Rights Watch 2018 report,<ref><!-- | |||
-->{{cite book | -->{{cite book | ||
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|publisher= Human Rights Watch | |publisher= Human Rights Watch | ||
|access-date= 4 February 2019 | |access-date= 4 February 2019 | ||
|quote= No independent government institutions remain today in Venezuela to act as a check on executive power. A series of measures by the Maduro and Chávez governments stacked the courts with judges who make no pretense of independence. The government has been repressing dissent through often-violent crackdowns on street protests, jailing opponents, and prosecuting civilians in military courts. It has also stripped power from the opposition-led legislature. ...In 2017, President Maduro convened a 'Constituent Assembly' by presidential decree, despite a constitutional requirement that a public referendum be held before any effort to rewrite the Constitution. The assembly is made up exclusively of government supporters chosen through an election that Smartmatic, a British company hired by the government to verify the results, called fraudulent. The Constituent Assembly has, in practice, replaced the opposition-led National Assembly as the |
|quote= No independent government institutions remain today in Venezuela to act as a check on executive power. A series of measures by the Maduro and Chávez governments stacked the courts with judges who make no pretense of independence. The government has been repressing dissent through often-violent crackdowns on street protests, jailing opponents, and prosecuting civilians in military courts. It has also stripped power from the opposition-led legislature. ...In 2017, President Maduro convened a 'Constituent Assembly' by presidential decree, despite a constitutional requirement that a public referendum be held before any effort to rewrite the Constitution. The assembly is made up exclusively of government supporters chosen through an election that Smartmatic, a British company hired by the government to verify the results, called fraudulent. The Constituent Assembly has, in practice, replaced the opposition-led National Assembly as the country's legislative branch.|date= 20 December 2018 | ||
}}<!-- | }}<!-- | ||
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-->{{cite web |url= https://www.amnesty.org/en/countries/americas/venezuela/report-venezuela/ |title= Venezuela 2017–2018 |publisher= Amnesty International |access-date= 4 February 2019 |quote= The judicial system continued to be used to silence dissidents, including using military jurisdiction to prosecute civilians. The justice system continued to be subject to government interference, especially in cases involving people critical of the government or those who were considered to be acting against the interests of the authorities. The Bolivarian National Intelligence Service continued to ignore court decisions to transfer and release people in its custody.}}</ref> and Amnesty International on opposition.<ref><!-- | -->{{cite web |url= https://www.amnesty.org/en/countries/americas/venezuela/report-venezuela/ |title= Venezuela 2017–2018 |publisher= Amnesty International |access-date= 4 February 2019 |quote= The judicial system continued to be used to silence dissidents, including using military jurisdiction to prosecute civilians. The justice system continued to be subject to government interference, especially in cases involving people critical of the government or those who were considered to be acting against the interests of the authorities. The Bolivarian National Intelligence Service continued to ignore court decisions to transfer and release people in its custody.}}</ref> and Amnesty International on opposition.<ref><!-- | ||
-->{{cite web |url= https://www.amnesty.org/en/latest/news/2017/08/venezuela-wave-of-arrests-as-government-turns-against-elected-opposition/ |title= Wave of arrests as government turns against elected opposition |publisher= Amnesty International |date= 11 August 2017|access-date= 4 February 2019 |quote= The arrest of four officials from the opposition in Venezuela, the removal from office of a further 11 and the issuing of arrest warrants against another five, demonstrates the Maduro |
-->{{cite web |url= https://www.amnesty.org/en/latest/news/2017/08/venezuela-wave-of-arrests-as-government-turns-against-elected-opposition/ |title= Wave of arrests as government turns against elected opposition |publisher= Amnesty International |date= 11 August 2017|access-date= 4 February 2019 |quote= The arrest of four officials from the opposition in Venezuela, the removal from office of a further 11 and the issuing of arrest warrants against another five, demonstrates the Maduro administration's tightening stranglehold on any form of dissent, taking repression to a frightening new level, said Amnesty International.}}</ref> | ||
}} | }} | ||
=== 2018 election and calls for transitional government === | === 2018 election and calls for transitional government === | ||
{{Main|2018 Venezuelan presidential election|Second inauguration of Nicolás Maduro}}], ] and ] greet Maduro at Maduro's second inauguration on 10 January 2019]] | |||
{{Main|2018 Venezuelan presidential election}} | |||
In February 2018, Maduro called for presidential elections four months before the prescribed date.<ref name="BBCweighs">{{cite news|url=https://www.bbc.com/news/world-latin-america-42984448|title=Venezuela opposition weighs election run|date=8 February 2018|work=]|access-date=8 February 2018}}</ref> He was declared the winner in May 2018 after multiple major opposition parties were banned from participating, among other irregularities; many said the elections were invalid.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.el-nacional.com/noticias/gobierno/anc-aprobo-decreto-para-validacion-los-partidos-politicos_216253|title=ANC aprobó un decreto para la validación de los partidos políticos|date=20 December 2017|website=El Nacional}}<br />* {{Cite news|url=https://www.bbc.com/mundo/noticias-america-latina-46805683|title=Por qué es polémico que Maduro jure como presidente de Venezuela y por qué lo hace ahora si las elecciones fueron en mayo|last=Olmo (@BBCgolmo)|first=Guillermo D.|date=10 January 2019|publisher=BBC News Mundo|access-date=11 January 2019}}<br />* {{cite web|url=http://efectococuyo.com/politica/maduro-gana-con-la-abstencion-historica-mas-alta-en-comicios-presidenciales/|title=Maduro gana con la abstención histórica más alta en comicios presidenciales – Efecto Cocuyo|website=efectococuyo.com|access-date=11 January 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181221101748/http://efectococuyo.com/politica/maduro-gana-con-la-abstencion-historica-mas-alta-en-comicios-presidenciales/|archive-date=21 December 2018|url-status=dead}}<br />* {{cite web|url=https://www.bbc.com/news/world-latin-america-42304594|title=Venezuela opposition banned from running in 2018 election|date=11 December 2017|work=]}}</ref> Some politicians both internally and internationally said Maduro was not legitimately elected<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.atlanticcouncil.org/blogs/new-atlanticist/venezuela-s-sham-election|title=Venezuela's Sham Election|last=Sen|first=Ashish Kumar|website=Atlantic Council|date=18 May 2018|access-date=11 January 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181118135833/http://www.atlanticcouncil.org/blogs/new-atlanticist/venezuela-s-sham-election|archive-date=18 November 2018|url-status=live}}</ref> and considered him an ineffective dictator.<ref>{{cite web|last1=Corrales|first1=Javier|title=Venezuela's Odd Transition to Dictatorship|url=http://www.americasquarterly.org/content/venezuelas-odd-transition-dictatorship|work=]|access-date=10 December 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161220103221/http://www.americasquarterly.org/content/venezuelas-odd-transition-dictatorship|archive-date=20 December 2016|url-status=live}}<br />* {{cite news|last1=Brodzinsky|first1=Sibylla|title=Venezuelans warn of 'dictatorship' after officials block bid to recall Maduro|url=https://www.theguardian.com/world/2016/oct/21/venezuela-president-maduro-recall-referendum|access-date=10 December 2016|newspaper=]|date=21 October 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161209230102/https://www.theguardian.com/world/2016/oct/21/venezuela-president-maduro-recall-referendum|archive-date=9 December 2016|url-status=live}}<br />* {{cite news|title=Almagro: Maduro se transforma en dictador por negarles a venezolanos derecho a decidir su futuro|url=http://cnnespanol.cnn.com/2016/08/23/almagro-maduro-se-transforma-en-dictador-por-negarle-a-venezolanos-derecho-a-decidir-su-futuro/#0|access-date=10 December 2016|work=]|date=24 August 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161220135042/http://cnnespanol.cnn.com/2016/08/23/almagro-maduro-se-transforma-en-dictador-por-negarle-a-venezolanos-derecho-a-decidir-su-futuro/|archive-date=20 December 2016|url-status=live}}</ref> In the months leading up to his 10 January 2019 inauguration, Maduro was pressured to step down by nations and bodies including the ] (excluding Mexico), the United States and the ]; this pressure was increased after the new ] was sworn in on 5 January 2019.<ref name="ftswearspresident">{{cite news|url=https://www.ft.com/content/401e52a0-1405-11e9-a581-4ff78404524e|title=Venezuela Swears in an illegitimate President|website=Financial Times|date=10 January 2019|access-date=11 January 2019}}</ref><ref name="HowDid">{{Cite news|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2019/01/10/world/americas/venezuela-maduro-inauguration.html|title=Venezuela Is in Crisis. So How Did Maduro Secure a Second Term?|last1=Herrero|first1=Ana Vanessa|date=10 January 2019|newspaper=]|access-date=11 January 2019|last2=Specia|first2=Megan|issn=0362-4331|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190111012015/https://www.nytimes.com/2019/01/10/world/americas/venezuela-maduro-inauguration.html|archive-date=11 January 2019|url-status=live}}<br />* {{cite web|url=https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2019/01/peru-paraguay-recall-diplomats-maduro-inauguration-190110180310100.html|title=Peru, Paraguay recall diplomats over Maduro inauguration {{!}} Venezuela News|website=Aljazeera.com|access-date=11 January 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190110232447/https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2019/01/peru-paraguay-recall-diplomats-maduro-inauguration-190110180310100.html|archive-date=10 January 2019|url-status=live}}</ref> Between the May 2018 presidential election and Maduro's inauguration, there were calls to establish a transitional government.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.elnuevoherald.com/opinion-es/opin-col-blogs/opinion-sobre-venezuela/article219161250.html|title=¿Dónde está el gobierno de transición en Venezuela?|last=Corao|first=Manuel|date=28 September 2018|website=]|access-date=26 January 2019}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.crisisgroup.org/es/latin-america-caribbean/andes/venezuela/71-friendly-fire-venezuelas-opposition-turmoil|title=Fuego amigo: el caos de la oposición venezolana|date=23 November 2018|website=]|access-date=26 January 2019}}</ref> | |||
Signs of impending crisis showed when a ] Justice and Electoral Justice seen as close to Maduro defected to the United States just a few days before the 10 January 2019 ]. The justice, {{ill|Christian Zerpa|es|Christian Zerpa}}, said that Maduro was "incompetent" and "illegitimate".<ref name="ftswearspresident" /><ref name="HowDid" /><ref name="Redacción">{{Cite news |last=Redacción |date=7 January 2019 |title=Christian Zerpa, el juez afín a Maduro que huyó a Estados Unidos y denuncia falta de independencia del poder judicial de Venezuela |publisher=BBC News Mundo |url=https://www.bbc.com/mundo/noticias-america-latina-46782539 |url-status=live |access-date=11 January 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190107185734/https://www.bbc.com/mundo/noticias-america-latina-46782539 |archive-date=7 January 2019}}</ref> Minutes after Maduro took the oath as president of Venezuela, the OAS approved a resolution in a special session of its Permanent Council declaring Maduro's presidency illegitimate and urging new elections.<ref name="VivoDebate" /> Maduro's election was supported by Turkey, Russia, China, and the Bolivarian Alliance for the Peoples of Our America (]).<ref>{{cite web |title=Maduro asumió pese a EEUU, la OEA, la UE y las amenazas de la oposición |url=http://www.portalalba.org/index.php/articulos/politica-democracia/gobierno-y-democracia/19313-maduro-asumio-pese-a-eeuu-la-oea-la-ue-y-las-amenazas-de-la-oposicion |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190414105847/http://www.portalalba.org/index.php/articulos/politica-democracia/gobierno-y-democracia/19313-maduro-asumio-pese-a-eeuu-la-oea-la-ue-y-las-amenazas-de-la-oposicion |archive-date=14 April 2019 |access-date=12 January 2019 |website=Portalalba.org}}</ref><ref name="aljazeera.com">{{cite web |title=Venezuela Congress leader challenges Maduro's right to presidency – News |url=https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2019/01/venezuela-congress-leader-challenges-maduro-presidency-190111181122362.html |access-date=13 January 2019 |website=Aljazeera.com}}</ref><ref name=AllianceConvenience>{{Cite web |last=Oner |first=Imdat |title=Turkey and Venezuela: An Alliance of Convenience |publisher= Wilson Center |url=https://www.wilsoncenter.org/publication/turkey-and-venezuela-alliance-convenience |access-date=2024-08-14 |language=en}}</ref> | |||
In February 2018, Maduro called for presidential elections four months before the prescribed date.<ref name="BBCweighs">{{cite news|url=https://www.bbc.com/news/world-latin-america-42984448|title=Venezuela opposition weighs election run|date=8 February 2018|work=]|access-date=8 February 2018}}</ref> He was declared the winner in May 2018 after multiple major opposition parties were banned from participating, among other irregularities; many said the elections were invalid.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.el-nacional.com/noticias/gobierno/anc-aprobo-decreto-para-validacion-los-partidos-politicos_216253|title=ANC aprobó un decreto para la validación de los partidos políticos|date=20 December 2017|website=El Nacional}}<br />* {{Cite news|url=https://www.bbc.com/mundo/noticias-america-latina-46805683|title=Por qué es polémico que Maduro jure como presidente de Venezuela y por qué lo hace ahora si las elecciones fueron en mayo|last=Olmo (@BBCgolmo)|first=Guillermo D.|date=10 January 2019|publisher=BBC News Mundo|access-date=11 January 2019}}<br />* {{cite web|url=http://efectococuyo.com/politica/maduro-gana-con-la-abstencion-historica-mas-alta-en-comicios-presidenciales/|title=Maduro gana con la abstención histórica más alta en comicios presidenciales - Efecto Cocuyo|website=efectococuyo.com|access-date=11 January 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181221101748/http://efectococuyo.com/politica/maduro-gana-con-la-abstencion-historica-mas-alta-en-comicios-presidenciales/|archive-date=21 December 2018|url-status=dead}}<br />* {{cite web|url=https://www.bbc.com/news/world-latin-america-42304594|title=Venezuela opposition banned from running in 2018 election|date=11 December 2017|work=]}}</ref> Some politicians both internally and internationally said Maduro was not legitimately elected<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.atlanticcouncil.org/blogs/new-atlanticist/venezuela-s-sham-election|title=Venezuela's Sham Election|last=Sen|first=Ashish Kumar|website=Atlantic Council|date=18 May 2018|access-date=11 January 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181118135833/http://www.atlanticcouncil.org/blogs/new-atlanticist/venezuela-s-sham-election|archive-date=18 November 2018|url-status=live}}</ref> and considered him an ineffective dictator.<ref>{{cite web|last1=Corrales|first1=Javier|title=Venezuela's Odd Transition to Dictatorship|url=http://www.americasquarterly.org/content/venezuelas-odd-transition-dictatorship|work=]|access-date=10 December 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161220103221/http://www.americasquarterly.org/content/venezuelas-odd-transition-dictatorship|archive-date=20 December 2016|url-status=live}}<br />* {{cite news|last1=Brodzinsky|first1=Sibylla|title=Venezuelans warn of 'dictatorship' after officials block bid to recall Maduro|url=https://www.theguardian.com/world/2016/oct/21/venezuela-president-maduro-recall-referendum|access-date=10 December 2016|newspaper=]|date=21 October 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161209230102/https://www.theguardian.com/world/2016/oct/21/venezuela-president-maduro-recall-referendum|archive-date=9 December 2016|url-status=live}}<br />* {{cite news|title=Almagro: Maduro se transforma en dictador por negarles a venezolanos derecho a decidir su futuro|url=http://cnnespanol.cnn.com/2016/08/23/almagro-maduro-se-transforma-en-dictador-por-negarle-a-venezolanos-derecho-a-decidir-su-futuro/#0|access-date=10 December 2016|work=]|date=24 August 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161220135042/http://cnnespanol.cnn.com/2016/08/23/almagro-maduro-se-transforma-en-dictador-por-negarle-a-venezolanos-derecho-a-decidir-su-futuro/|archive-date=20 December 2016|url-status=live}}</ref> In the months leading up to his 10 January 2019 inauguration, Maduro was pressured to step down by nations and bodies including the ] (excluding Mexico), the United States and the ]; this pressure was increased after the new ] was sworn in on 5 January 2019.<ref name=ftswearspresident>{{cite news|url=https://www.ft.com/content/401e52a0-1405-11e9-a581-4ff78404524e|title=Venezuela Swears in an illegitimate President|website=Financial Times|date=10 January 2019|access-date=11 January 2019}}</ref><ref name=HowDid>{{Cite news|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2019/01/10/world/americas/venezuela-maduro-inauguration.html|title=Venezuela Is in Crisis. So How Did Maduro Secure a Second Term?|last1=Herrero|first1=Ana Vanessa|date=10 January 2019|newspaper=]|access-date=11 January 2019|last2=Specia|first2=Megan|issn=0362-4331|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190111012015/https://www.nytimes.com/2019/01/10/world/americas/venezuela-maduro-inauguration.html|archive-date=11 January 2019|url-status=live}}<br />* {{cite web|url=https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2019/01/peru-paraguay-recall-diplomats-maduro-inauguration-190110180310100.html|title=Peru, Paraguay recall diplomats over Maduro inauguration {{!}} Venezuela News|website=Aljazeera.com|access-date=11 January 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190110232447/https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2019/01/peru-paraguay-recall-diplomats-maduro-inauguration-190110180310100.html|archive-date=10 January 2019|url-status=live}}</ref> Between the May 2018 presidential election and Maduro's inauguration, there were calls to establish a transitional government.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.elnuevoherald.com/opinion-es/opin-col-blogs/opinion-sobre-venezuela/article219161250.html|title=¿Dónde está el gobierno de transición en Venezuela?|last=Corao|first=Manuel|date=28 September 2018|website=]|access-date=26 January 2019}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.crisisgroup.org/es/latin-america-caribbean/andes/venezuela/71-friendly-fire-venezuelas-opposition-turmoil|title=Fuego amigo: el caos de la oposición venezolana|date=23 November 2018|website=]|access-date=26 January 2019}}</ref> | |||
In December 2018, Guaidó had traveled to Washington, D.C., met with OAS Secretary General ]. On 14 January 2019, he traveled to Colombia for a Lima Group meeting, in which Maduro's mandate was rejected. According to an article in '']'', the January Lima Group meeting and the stance taken by ] ] were key. ''El País'' describes ]'s election—coinciding with the election of conservative presidents ] and ], along with deteriorating conditions in Venezuela—as "a perfect storm", with decisions influenced by U.S. officials including ] ], ] ], ] ] and legislators ] and ]. Venezuelans ], ] and ] were consulted and the Trump administration decision to back Guaidó formed on 22 January, according to ''El País''. Díaz-Balart said that the decision was the result of two years of planning.<ref name="ElPaisTrump">{{cite news|url=https://elpais.com/internacional/2019/02/02/estados_unidos/1549129687_137099.html|title=Así se lanzó Trump al derribo de Maduro|author=Mars, Amanda|date=3 February 2019|work=]|access-date=5 February 2019|language=es}}</ref> | In December 2018, Guaidó had traveled to Washington, D.C., met with OAS Secretary General ]. On 14 January 2019, he traveled to Colombia for a Lima Group meeting, in which Maduro's mandate was rejected. According to an article in '']'', the January Lima Group meeting and the stance taken by ] ] were key. ''El País'' describes ]'s election—coinciding with the election of conservative presidents ] and ], along with deteriorating conditions in Venezuela—as "a perfect storm", with decisions influenced by U.S. officials including ] ], ] ], ] ] and legislators ] and ]. Venezuelans ], ] and ] were consulted and the Trump administration decision to back Guaidó formed on 22 January, according to ''El País''. Díaz-Balart said that the decision was the result of two years of planning.<ref name="ElPaisTrump">{{cite news|url=https://elpais.com/internacional/2019/02/02/estados_unidos/1549129687_137099.html|title=Así se lanzó Trump al derribo de Maduro|author=Mars, Amanda|date=3 February 2019|work=]|access-date=5 February 2019|language=es}}</ref> | ||
=== Justification for the challenge === | === Justification for the challenge === | ||
] ] discussing the ]]] | ] ] discussing the ]]] | ||
The Venezuelan opposition says its actions are based on the ], specifically Articles 233, 333 and 350.<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://elpais.com/internacional/2019/01/24/actualidad/1548324278_362240.html|title=Los argumentos legales detrás de la batalla política|date=24 January 2019|work=El País|access-date=1 June 2019|language=es|issn=1134-6582}}</ref> | The Venezuelan opposition says its actions are based on the ], specifically Articles 233, 333 and 350.<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://elpais.com/internacional/2019/01/24/actualidad/1548324278_362240.html|title=Los argumentos legales detrás de la batalla política|date=24 January 2019|work=El País|access-date=1 June 2019|language=es|issn=1134-6582}}</ref> | ||
The first paragraph of Article 233 states that "when the president-elect is absolutely absent before taking office, a new election shall take place And while the president is elected and takes office, the interim president shall be the president of the National Assembly."<ref name=euronewsconstitution>{{Cite web|url=https://www.euronews.com/2019/01/27/is-it-legal-for-juan-guaido-to-be-proclaimed-venezuela-s-interim-president|title=Is it legal for Juan Guaidó to be proclaimed Venezuela's interim president?|last=Bello|first=Camille|date=27 January 2019|website=Euronews|access-date=1 June 2019}}</ref>{{efn| See the full article in the Constitution of the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela.<ref name=const>{{cite web|url=http://hrlibrary.umn.edu/research/venezuela-constitution.html|title=Constitution of the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela|work=Human Rights Library|publisher=University of the Minnesota|access-date=9 March 2019}} Also </ref>|name=seeconst}}{{Efn|Later paragraphs describe what to do in the event of a vacancy due to "permanent unavailability to serve", depending on when the vacancy occurs. | The first paragraph of Article 233 states that "when the president-elect is absolutely absent before taking office, a new election shall take place And while the president is elected and takes office, the interim president shall be the president of the National Assembly."<ref name="euronewsconstitution">{{Cite web|url=https://www.euronews.com/2019/01/27/is-it-legal-for-juan-guaido-to-be-proclaimed-venezuela-s-interim-president|title=Is it legal for Juan Guaidó to be proclaimed Venezuela's interim president?|last=Bello|first=Camille|date=27 January 2019|website=Euronews|access-date=1 June 2019}}</ref>{{efn| See the full article in the Constitution of the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela.<ref name=const>{{cite web|url=http://hrlibrary.umn.edu/research/venezuela-constitution.html|title=Constitution of the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela|work=Human Rights Library|publisher=University of the Minnesota|access-date=9 March 2019}} Also </ref>|name=seeconst}}{{Efn|Later paragraphs describe what to do in the event of a vacancy due to "permanent unavailability to serve", depending on when the vacancy occurs. | ||
*Prior to elected President's inauguration, "a new election shall take place The President of the National Assembly shall take charge of the Presidency of the Republic". | *Prior to elected President's inauguration, "a new election shall take place The President of the National Assembly shall take charge of the Presidency of the Republic". | ||
*During the first four years of President's six-year term, "a new election ... shall be held within thirty consecutive days ... The Executive Vice-President shall take charge of the Presidency of the Republic". | *During the first four years of President's six-year term, "a new election ... shall be held within thirty consecutive days ... The Executive Vice-President shall take charge of the Presidency of the Republic". | ||
Line 125: | Line 127: | ||
<ref name=const/>}} | <ref name=const/>}} | ||
Article 333 calls for citizens to restore and enforce the Constitution if it is not followed.<ref name=euronewsconstitution/>{{efn|name=seeconst}} Article 350 calls for citizens to "disown any regime, legislation or authority that violates democratic values, principles and guarantees or encroaches upon human rights."<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.oas.org/en/media_center/press_release.asp?sCodigo=S-018/17|author=Luis Almagro|title=Message from the Secretary General on Venezuela|date=2009-08-01|website=Organisation of American States|access-date=1 June 2019}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2019-01-24/why-regime-change-is-now-on-the-table-in-venezuela-quicktake|title=The Standoff in Venezuela, Explained|last=Laya|first=Partricia|date=24 January 2019|newspaper=Bloomberg.com|access-date=2 June 2019}}</ref>{{efn|name=seeconst}} | Article 333 calls for citizens to restore and enforce the Constitution if it is not followed.<ref name="euronewsconstitution" />{{efn|name=seeconst}} Article 350 calls for citizens to "disown any regime, legislation or authority that violates democratic values, principles and guarantees or encroaches upon human rights."<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.oas.org/en/media_center/press_release.asp?sCodigo=S-018/17|author=Luis Almagro|title=Message from the Secretary General on Venezuela|date=2009-08-01|website=Organisation of American States|access-date=1 June 2019}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2019-01-24/why-regime-change-is-now-on-the-table-in-venezuela-quicktake|title=The Standoff in Venezuela, Explained|last=Laya|first=Partricia|date=24 January 2019|newspaper=Bloomberg.com|access-date=2 June 2019}}</ref>{{efn|name=seeconst}} | ||
Article 233 was invoked after the death of ] in 2013, which took place soon after his inauguration, and ] were called within thirty days.<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.bbc.com/news/world-latin-america-21731336|title=Venezuela sets post-Chavez poll date|date=10 March 2019|work=BBC|access-date=2 June 2019}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news|url=https://elpais.com/internacional/2013/03/07/actualidad/1362649263_142824.html|title=Maduro decreta el luto por Chávez en calidad de "presidente encargado"|date=7 March 2013|work=El País|access-date=2 June 2019|language=es|issn=1134-6582}}</ref> Invoked by the National Assembly, Guaidó was declared ] president until elections could be held; Diego A. Zambrano, an assistant professor of law at ], says that "Venezuelan lawyers disagree on the best reading of this provision. Some argue Guaidó can serve longer if the electoral process is scheduled within a reasonable time."<ref>{{cite web |last1=Zambrano |first1=Diego A. |title=Guaidó, Not Maduro, Is the De Jure President of Venezuela |url=https://www. |
Article 233 was invoked after the death of ] in 2013, which took place soon after his inauguration, and ] were called within thirty days.<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.bbc.com/news/world-latin-america-21731336|title=Venezuela sets post-Chavez poll date|date=10 March 2019|work=BBC|access-date=2 June 2019}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news|url=https://elpais.com/internacional/2013/03/07/actualidad/1362649263_142824.html|title=Maduro decreta el luto por Chávez en calidad de "presidente encargado"|date=7 March 2013|work=El País|access-date=2 June 2019|language=es|issn=1134-6582}}</ref> Invoked by the National Assembly, Guaidó was declared ] president until elections could be held; Diego A. Zambrano, an assistant professor of law at ], says that "Venezuelan lawyers disagree on the best reading of this provision. Some argue Guaidó can serve longer if the electoral process is scheduled within a reasonable time."<ref>{{cite web |last1=Zambrano |first1=Diego A. |title=Guaidó, Not Maduro, Is the De Jure President of Venezuela |url=https://www.lawfaremedia.org/article/guaido-not-maduro-de-jure-president-venezuela |website=] |access-date=4 February 2019 |date=1 February 2019}}</ref> The National Assembly announced that it will designate a committee to appoint a new ], in anticipation of free elections.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.el-nacional.com/noticias/politica/asamblea-nacional-designara-comite-para-elegir-nuevo-cne_269412 |title= Asamblea Nacional designará comité para elegir un nuevo CNE |language= es |work= El Nacional |date= 4 February 2019 |access-date= 13 May 2019}}</ref> | ||
== 2019 events == | == 2019 events == | ||
=== Inauguration of Maduro === | === Inauguration of Maduro === | ||
In January 2019, ]'s ] party attained the leadership of the ] according to a rotation agreement made by opposition parties, naming ] as ].{{sfn|Neuman|2022|p=210 |loc= Chapter 23: "Swearing In"}} | |||
{{main|Second inauguration of Nicolás Maduro}} | |||
], ] and ] greet Maduro at Maduro's second inauguration on 10 January 2019]] | |||
Signs of impending crisis showed when a ] Justice and Electoral Justice seen as close to Maduro defected to the United States just a few days before the 10 January 2019 ]. The justice, {{ill|Christian Zerpa|es|Christian Zerpa}}, said that Maduro was "incompetent" and "illegitimate".<ref name=ftswearspresident /><ref name=HowDid/><ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.bbc.com/mundo/noticias-america-latina-46782539|title=Christian Zerpa, el juez afín a Maduro que huyó a Estados Unidos y denuncia falta de independencia del poder judicial de Venezuela|last=Redacción|date=7 January 2019|publisher=BBC News Mundo|access-date=11 January 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190107185734/https://www.bbc.com/mundo/noticias-america-latina-46782539|archive-date=7 January 2019|url-status=live}}</ref> Minutes after Maduro took the oath as president of Venezuela, the OAS approved a resolution in a special session of its Permanent Council declaring Maduro's presidency illegitimate and urging new elections.<ref name=VivoDebate/> Maduro's election was supported by Turkey, Russia, China, and the Bolivarian Alliance for the Peoples of Our America (]).<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.portalalba.org/index.php/articulos/politica-democracia/gobierno-y-democracia/19313-maduro-asumio-pese-a-eeuu-la-oea-la-ue-y-las-amenazas-de-la-oposicion|title=Maduro asumió pese a EEUU, la OEA, la UE y las amenazas de la oposición|website=Portalalba.org|access-date=12 January 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190414105847/http://www.portalalba.org/index.php/articulos/politica-democracia/gobierno-y-democracia/19313-maduro-asumio-pese-a-eeuu-la-oea-la-ue-y-las-amenazas-de-la-oposicion|archive-date=14 April 2019|url-status=dead}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2019/01/venezuela-congress-leader-challenges-maduro-presidency-190111181122362.html|title=Venezuela Congress leader challenges Maduro's right to presidency - News|website=Aljazeera.com|access-date=13 January 2019}}</ref> | |||
] | ] | ||
Guaidó began motions to form a ] shortly after assuming his new role on 5 January 2019, stating that whether or not Maduro began his new term on the 10th, the country would not have a legitimately elected president in either case,<ref>{{cite web |title=Asamblea Nacional arranca proceso para Ley de Transicion |url=http://www.asambleanacional.gob.ve/noticias/_asamblea-nacional-arranca-proceso-para-ley-de-transicion |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190109052303/http://www.asambleanacional.gob.ve/noticias/_asamblea-nacional-arranca-proceso-para-ley-de-transicion |archive-date=9 January 2019 |access-date=10 January 2019}}</ref>{{Primary source inline|date=September 2023}} calling for soldiers to "enforce the Constitution"<ref name="Usurp">{{cite web |title=AN se declara en emergencia ante la usurpación de Nicolás Maduro en el cargo de la Presidencia de la República |url=http://www.asambleanacional.gob.ve/noticias/_an-se-declara-en-emergencia-ante-la-usurpacion-de-nicolas-maduro-en-el-cargo-de-la-presidencia-de-la |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190111021840/http://www.asambleanacional.gob.ve/noticias/_an-se-declara-en-emergencia-ante-la-usurpacion-de-nicolas-maduro-en-el-cargo-de-la-presidencia-de-la |archive-date=11 January 2019 |access-date=10 January 2019 |website=Asambleanacional.gob.ve |language=es}}</ref>{{Primary source inline|date=September 2023}} Signs of impending crisis showed when a ] Justice and Electoral Justice seen as close to Maduro defected to the United States just a few days before the 10 January 2019 ]. The justice, {{ill|Christian Zerpa|es|Christian Zerpa}}, said that Maduro was "incompetent" and "illegitimate".<ref name="ftswearspresident2">{{cite news |date=10 January 2019 |title=Venezuela Swears in an illegitimate President |website=Financial Times |url=https://www.ft.com/content/401e52a0-1405-11e9-a581-4ff78404524e |access-date=11 January 2019}}</ref><ref name="HowDid2">{{Cite news |last1=Herrero |first1=Ana Vanessa |last2=Specia |first2=Megan |date=10 January 2019 |title=Venezuela Is in Crisis. So How Did Maduro Secure a Second Term? |newspaper=] |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2019/01/10/world/americas/venezuela-maduro-inauguration.html |url-status=live |access-date=11 January 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190111012015/https://www.nytimes.com/2019/01/10/world/americas/venezuela-maduro-inauguration.html |archive-date=11 January 2019 |issn=0362-4331}} | |||
* {{cite web |title=Peru, Paraguay recall diplomats over Maduro inauguration {{!}} Venezuela News |url=https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2019/01/peru-paraguay-recall-diplomats-maduro-inauguration-190110180310100.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190110232447/https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2019/01/peru-paraguay-recall-diplomats-maduro-inauguration-190110180310100.html |archive-date=10 January 2019 |access-date=11 January 2019 |website=Aljazeera.com}}</ref><ref name="Redacción"/> Minutes after Maduro took the oath as president of Venezuela, the OAS approved a resolution in a special session of its Permanent Council declaring Maduro's presidency illegitimate and urging new elections.<ref name="VivoDebate2">{{cite news |date=10 January 2019 |title=La OEA aprobó la resolución que declara ilegítimo al nuevo gobierno de Nicolás Maduro |language=es |trans-title=The OAS approved the resolution that declared the new government of Nicolás Maduro illegitimate |work=Infobae |url=https://www.infobae.com/america/venezuela/2019/01/10/en-vivo-la-oea-debate-en-sesion-extraordinaria-la-asuncion-de-nicolas-maduro/}}</ref> Maduro's election was supported by Turkey, Russia, China, and the Bolivarian Alliance for the Peoples of Our America (]).<ref name="aljazeera.com"/><ref name=AllianceConvenience/> | |||
Guaidó announced a public assembly, referred to as an ], on 11 January<ref>{{cite web|url=https://eltiempo.com.ve/2019/01/10/asamblea-nacional-se-declaro-en-emergencia-y-convoco-a-cabildo-abierto/|title=El Tiempo {{!}} Venezuela {{!}} Asamblea Nacional se declaró en emergencia y convocó a cabildo abierto {{!}} El Periódico del Pueblo Oriental|website=eltiempo.com.ve|publisher=Global Host|language=es|access-date=11 January 2019}}</ref>—a rally in the streets of Caracas, where the National Assembly announced that Guaidó was assuming the role of the acting president under the ] and announcing plans to remove Maduro.<ref name=ANApego>{{cite web|url=http://www.asambleanacional.gob.ve/noticias/_juan-guaido-me-apego-a-los-articulos-333-350-y-233|work=Asamblea Nacional de la República Bolivariana de Venezuela|title=Juan Guaidó: Me apego a los artículos 333, 350 y 233 para lograr el cese de la usurpación y convocar elecciones libres con la unión del pueblo, FAN y comunidad internacional|language=es|date=11 January 2019|access-date=11 January 2019}}</ref> Leaders of other political parties, trade unions, women, and the students of Venezuela were given a voice at the rally; other parties did not speak of a divide, but of what they saw as a failed ] that needed to end.<ref name=ANApego/> | |||
Guaidó announced a public assembly, referred to as an ], on 11 January, a rally in the streets of Caracas, where Guaidó spoke on behalf of the National Assembly saying that the country had fallen into a '']'' dictatorship and had no leader.<ref>{{cite web |last=Smith |first=Scott |date=10 January 2019 |title=Isolation greets Maduro's new term as Venezuela's president |url=https://apnews.com/f1df9924783f49859874f5fc97f0f534 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190111004811/https://apnews.com/f1df9924783f49859874f5fc97f0f534 |archive-date=11 January 2019 |access-date=11 January 2019 |website=AP News}}</ref><ref name=":27">{{cite web |title=El Tiempo {{!}} Venezuela {{!}} Asamblea Nacional se declaró en emergencia y convocó a cabildo abierto {{!}} El Periódico del Pueblo Oriental |url=https://eltiempo.com.ve/2019/01/10/asamblea-nacional-se-declaro-en-emergencia-y-convoco-a-cabildo-abierto/ |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190111175356/https://eltiempo.com.ve/2019/01/10/asamblea-nacional-se-declaro-en-emergencia-y-convoco-a-cabildo-abierto/ |archive-date=11 January 2019 |access-date=11 January 2019 |website=eltiempo.com.ve |publisher=Global Host |language=es}}</ref> Guaidó said that the National Assembly would "take the responsibility that touches us".<ref name=":27" /> Leaders of other political parties, trade unions, women, and students also spoke at the rally.<ref name="ANApego2">{{cite web |date=11 January 2019 |title=Juan Guaidó: Me apego a los artículos 333, 350 y 233 para lograr el cese de la usurpación y convocar elecciones libres con la unión del pueblo, FAN y comunidad internacional |url=http://www.asambleanacional.gob.ve/noticias/_juan-guaido-me-apego-a-los-articulos-333-350-y-233 |access-date=11 January 2019 |work=Asamblea Nacional de la República Bolivariana de Venezuela |language=es}}</ref>{{Primary source inline|date=September 2023}} The opposition considered assuming the powers of the executive branch legitimate based on constitutional processes; The National Assembly specifically invoked Articles 233, 333, and 350 of the Constitution.<ref name="Assume">{{Cite news |author=Phillips, Tom |date=11 January 2019 |title=Venezuela: opposition leader declares himself ready to assume presidency |newspaper=] |url=https://www.theguardian.com/world/2019/jan/11/venezuela-maduro-juan-guaido-assume-presidency |url-status=live |access-date=12 January 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190113100401/https://www.theguardian.com/world/2019/jan/11/venezuela-maduro-juan-guaido-assume-presidency |archive-date=13 January 2019 |issn=0261-3077}}</ref><ref name="ANApego2"/> Guaidó announced ] to be held on 23 January—the same day as the ]—using a slogan chant of ''¡]!''.<ref name="Assume" /><ref>{{cite web |date=11 January 2019 |title=Parallel government emerging in Venezuela |url=https://www.argusmedia.com/en/news/1826647-parallel-government-emerging-in-venezuela-update |access-date=12 January 2019 |website=Argus Media}}</ref> The National Assembly worked with the coalition ''Frente Amplio Venezuela Libre'' to create a plan for the demonstrations, organizing a unified national force.<ref name="favl">{{cite web |date=12 January 2019 |title=Juan Guaidó y FAVL afinan agenda única para movilización del 23Ene |url=https://www.analitica.com/actualidad/actualidad-nacional/juan-guaido-y-favl-afinan-agenda-unica-para-movilizacion-del-23ene/ |access-date=12 January 2019 |website=Analitica |language=es}}</ref> On 11 January, plans to offer incentives for the armed forces to disavow Maduro were announced.<ref>{{Cite news |date=11 January 2019 |title=Venezuela opposition plans incentives for officers who disavow Maduro |website=Uk.reuters.com |url=https://uk.reuters.com/article/uk-venezuela-military-idUKKCN1P52HF |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190112065020/https://uk.reuters.com/article/uk-venezuela-military-idUKKCN1P52HF |url-status=dead |archive-date=12 January 2019 |access-date=11 January 2019}}</ref> | |||
Maduro's response was to call the opposition a group of "little boys", describing Guaidó as "immature". The Minister for Prison Services, ], threatened that she had picked out a prison cell for Guaidó and asked him to be quick in naming his cabinet so she could prepare prison cells for them as well.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2019/01/venezuela-congress-leader-challenges-maduro-presidency-190111181122362.html|title=Venezuela congress leader challenges Maduro's right to presidency|website=Al Jazeera|access-date=12 January 2019}}</ref> | |||
==== Guaidó declared acting president ==== | |||
On 21 January, over two dozen National Guardsmen participated in a mutiny against Maduro with the assistance of residents in the area during the early morning hours. Government forces repressed the protestors tear gas and the officers were later captured.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://elcomercio.pe/mundo/venezuela/cotiza-reprimen-vecinos-respaldan-levantamiento-guardia-nacional-bolivariana-gnb-nicolas-maduro-videos-noticia-599586-noticia/|title=Venezuela: Reprimen a vecinos que respaldan levantamiento militar contra Maduro|date=21 January 2019|website=]|language=es|access-date=1 February 2020}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.theguardian.com/world/2019/jan/21/venezuela-claims-foiled-attempted-military-uprising|title=Venezuela claims it has foiled attempted military uprising|last=Phillips|first=Tom|date=2019-01-22|work=]|access-date=2019-01-22|language=en-GB|issn=0261-3077}}</ref> During the night, over thirty communities in Caracas and surrounding areas participated in strong protests against the Maduro government.<ref name=patillajanuarynocturnas>{{Cite web|url=http://www.lapatilla.com/2019/01/22/seguid-el-ejemplo-que-caracas-dio-confirman-protestas-nocturnas-contra-maduro-en-30-comunidades-capitalinas/|title=Seguid el ejemplo que Caracas dio: Confirman protestas nocturnas contra Maduro en 30 comunidades capitalinas|date=2019-01-22|website=]|language=es-ES|access-date=2019-01-22}}</ref> The strongest protests occurred in San José de Cotiza, where the rebel National Guardsmen were arrested, with demonstrations spreading throughout nearby communities, with ]s heard throughout Caracas.<ref name=patillajanuarynocturnas /> One woman who was confused for a protester was killed in San José de Cotiza by members of a ], who stole her phone.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.el-nacional.com/noticias/sucesos/mujer-fue-asesinada-puerta-casa-por-colectivo-cotiza_267452|title=Mujer fue asesinada en la puerta de su casa por un colectivo en Cotiza|date=2019-01-21|website=]|language=es|access-date=2019-01-22}}</ref> | |||
]During Guaidó's speech, he said he was "willing to assume command ... only possible with the help of Venezuelans".<ref name="Rectifica" /> Following Guaidó's speech, the National Assembly released a press statement saying that Guaidó had assumed the role of acting president. The Assembly retracted the statement later published another clarifying Guaidó's position as "willing to assume command ... only possible with the help of Venezuelans".<ref name="Rectifica" /> | |||
Maduro's response was to call the opposition a group of "little boys", describing Guaidó as "immature". The Minister for Prison Services, ], threatened that she had picked out a prison cell for Guaidó and asked him to be quick in naming his cabinet so she could prepare prison cells for them as well.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2019/01/venezuela-congress-leader-challenges-maduro-presidency-190111181122362.html|title=Venezuela congress leader challenges Maduro's right to presidency|website=Al Jazeera|access-date=12 January 2019}}</ref> | |||
=== Guaidó declared acting president === | |||
] | |||
Following Guaidó's speech, the National Assembly released a press statement saying that Guaidó had assumed the role of acting president. A later statement clarified the position of Guaidó as "willing to assume command ... only possible with the help of Venezuelans".<ref name=Rectifica/> The opposition considered this legitimate based on the acknowledged "illegitimacy" of Maduro by many governments, and the constitutional processes that the National Assembly said they were following,<ref name=Assume>{{Cite news|url=https://www.theguardian.com/world/2019/jan/11/venezuela-maduro-juan-guaido-assume-presidency|title=Venezuela: opposition leader declares himself ready to assume presidency|author=Phillips, Tom|date=11 January 2019|newspaper=]|access-date=12 January 2019|issn=0261-3077|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190113100401/https://www.theguardian.com/world/2019/jan/11/venezuela-maduro-juan-guaido-assume-presidency|archive-date=13 January 2019|url-status=live}}</ref> specifically invoking Articles 233, 333, and 350 of the Constitution.<ref name=ANApego/> The president of the ], based in Panama, wrote to Guaidó, requesting him to become acting president of Venezuela.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.elsalvador.com/noticias/internacional/557234/tribunal-supremo-de-justicia-pide-a-asamblea-nacional-tomar-la-presidencia-de-venezuela/|title=Tribunal Supremo de Justicia pide a Asamblea Nacional tomar la presidencia de Venezuela|website=El Salvador noticias|language=es|access-date=12 January 2019|date=12 January 2019}}</ref> | |||
On 15 January 2019, the National Assembly approved legislation to work with dozens of foreign countries to request that these nations freeze Maduro administration bank accounts.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.reuters.com/article/us-venezuela-politics-freeze-idUSKCN1P92G3|title=Venezuela congress asks foreign countries to freeze Maduro-linked accounts|date=15 January 2019|work=Reuters|access-date=15 January 2019}}</ref> Guaidó wrote a 15 January 2019 opinion piece in '']'' entitled "Maduro is a usurper. It's time to restore democracy in Venezuela"; he outlined Venezuela's erosion of democracy and his reasoning for the need to replace Maduro on an interim basis according to Venezuela's constitution.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/opinions/2019/01/15/maduro-is-usurper-its-time-restore-democracy-venezuela/?noredirect=on|title=Maduro is a usurper. It's time to restore democracy in Venezuela.|newspaper=The Washington Post|author=Guaidó, Juan|access-date=20 January 2019}}</ref> | |||
The president of the ], based in Panama, wrote to Guaidó, requesting him to become acting president of Venezuela.<ref>{{cite web |date=12 January 2019 |title=Tribunal Supremo de Justicia pide a Asamblea Nacional tomar la presidencia de Venezuela |url=https://www.elsalvador.com/noticias/internacional/557234/tribunal-supremo-de-justicia-pide-a-asamblea-nacional-tomar-la-presidencia-de-venezuela/ |access-date=12 January 2019 |website=El Salvador noticias |language=es}}</ref> OAS Secretary-General ] was the first to give international official support to Guaidó's claim, tweeting "We welcome the assumption of Juan Guaidó as interim president of Venezuela in accordance with Article 233 of the Political Constitution. You have our support, that of the international community and of the people of Venezuela."<ref name="Assume" /> Later that day, Brazil and Colombia gave their support to Guaidó as acting president of Venezuela.<ref>{{cite web |title=Juan Guaidó se declara presidente da venezuela e tem apoio do brasil |url=https://veja.abril.com.br/mundo/juan-guaido-se-declara-presidente-da-venezuela-e-tem-apoio-do-brasil/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190112180134/https://veja.abril.com.br/mundo/juan-guaido-se-declara-presidente-da-venezuela-e-tem-apoio-do-brasil/ |archive-date=12 January 2019 |access-date=12 January 2019 |website=VEJA |language=es}}</ref> | |||
Guaidó announced nationwide protests to be held on 23 January—the same day as the ]—using a slogan chant of ''¡]!''.<ref name=Assume/><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.argusmedia.com/en/news/1826647-parallel-government-emerging-in-venezuela-update|title=Parallel government emerging in Venezuela|website=Argus Media|access-date=12 January 2019}}</ref> The National Assembly worked with the coalition ''Frente Amplio Venezuela Libre'' to create a plan for the demonstrations, organizing a unified national force.<ref name="favl">{{cite web|url=https://www.analitica.com/actualidad/actualidad-nacional/juan-guaido-y-favl-afinan-agenda-unica-para-movilizacion-del-23ene/|title=Juan Guaidó y FAVL afinan agenda única para movilización del 23Ene|website=Analitica|language=es|access-date=12 January 2019|date=12 January 2019}}</ref> On 11 January, plans to offer incentives for the armed forces to disavow Maduro were announced.<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://uk.reuters.com/article/uk-venezuela-military-idUKKCN1P52HF|title=Venezuela opposition plans incentives for officers who disavow Maduro|date=11 January 2019|website=Uk.reuters.com|access-date=11 January 2019}}</ref> | |||
==== Guaidó briefly detained, plans continue ==== | |||
OAS Secretary-General ] was the first to give official support to this action, tweeting "We welcome the assumption of Juan Guaidó as interim president of Venezuela in accordance with Article 233 of the Political Constitution. You have our support, that of the international community and of the people of Venezuela."<ref name=Assume/> Later that day, Brazil and Colombia gave their support to Guaidó as acting president of Venezuela.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://veja.abril.com.br/mundo/juan-guaido-se-declara-presidente-da-venezuela-e-tem-apoio-do-brasil/|title=Juan Guaidó se declara presidente da venezuela e tem apoio do brasil|website=VEJA|language=es|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190112180134/https://veja.abril.com.br/mundo/juan-guaido-se-declara-presidente-da-venezuela-e-tem-apoio-do-brasil/|archive-date=12 January 2019|access-date=12 January 2019}}</ref> | |||
{{see also|2019 Venezuelan protests}} | |||
Guaidó was detained on 13 January by the ] (SEBIN)<ref>{{cite web |last=Semana |date=3 August 2003 |title=Alejandro Baena, candidato liberal a la alcaldía de Cali |url=https://www.semana.com/noticias/articulo/alejandro-baena-candidato-liberal-alcaldia-cali/59772-3 |website=Alejandro Baena, candidato liberal a la alcaldía de Cali}}</ref> and released 45 minutes later.<ref>{{cite news |title=Venezuela's opposition is gambling it all on a young and untested activist named Juan Guaidó |newspaper=] |url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/world/the_americas/venezuelas-opposition-is-gambling-it-all-on-a-young-and-untested-activist-named-juan-guaido/2019/01/14/90156b76-16a4-11e9-ab79-30cd4f7926f2_story.html |access-date=15 January 2019}}</ref> The SEBIN agents who intercepted his car and took him into custody were fired.<ref name="BBCDetained">{{Cite news |date=13 January 2019 |title=Venezuela opposition leader briefly detained |work=] |url=https://www.bbc.com/news/world-latin-america-46857643 |access-date=14 January 2019}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |date=13 January 2019 |title=Gobierno Maduro destituyó a agentes que detuvieron a Juan Guaidó en un procedimiento "irregular" |language=es |publisher=Noticias Caracol |agency=EFE |url=https://noticias.caracoltv.com/mundo/gobierno-maduro-destituyo-agentes-que-detuvieron-juan-guaido-en-un-procedimiento-irregular |access-date=15 January 2019}}</ref> The Information Minister, ], said the agents did not have instructions and the arrest was orchestrated by Guaidó as a "media stunt" to gain popularity; ] correspondents said that it appeared to be a genuine ambush to send a message to the opposition.<ref name="BBCDetained" /> Almagro condemned the arrest, which he called a "kidnapping", while Pompeo referred to it as an "arbitrary detention".<ref name="LeaderDetained">{{Cite news |author=Phillips, Tom |date=13 January 2019 |title=Venezuela opposition leader briefly detained after challenging Maduro |newspaper=] |url=https://www.theguardian.com/world/2019/jan/13/venezuela-opposition-leader-briefly-detained-juan-guaido-maduro |access-date=14 January 2019 |issn=0261-3077}}</ref> After his detention, Guaidó said that Rodríguez's admission that the SEBIN agents acted independently showed that the government had lost control of its security forces; he called ] (the presidential palace) "desperate",<ref name="BBCDetained" /><ref name="LeaderDetained" /> and stated: "There is one legitimate president of the National Assembly and of all Venezuela."<ref>{{cite web |date=13 January 2019 |title=Juan Guaidó desde Vargas: 'Hay un presidente legítimo de la AN y de toda Venezuela' |trans-title=Juan Guaidó from Vargas: 'There is a legitimate president of the NA and of all Venezuela' |url=https://albertonews.com/principales/juan-guaido-desde-vargas-hay-un-presidente-legitimo-de-la-an-y-de-toda-venezuela/ |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190114153207/https://albertonews.com/principales/juan-guaido-desde-vargas-hay-un-presidente-legitimo-de-la-an-y-de-toda-venezuela/ |archive-date=14 January 2019 |access-date=13 May 2019 |website=albertonews.com}}</ref> | |||
On 15 January 2019, the National Assembly approved legislation to work with dozens of foreign countries to request that these nations freeze Maduro administration bank accounts.<ref name="Reuters">{{cite news |date=15 January 2019 |title=Venezuela congress asks foreign countries to freeze Maduro-linked accounts |work=Reuters |url=https://www.reuters.com/article/us-venezuela-politics-freeze-idUSKCN1P92G3 |access-date=15 January 2019}}</ref> Guaidó wrote a 15 January 2019 opinion piece in '']'' entitled "Maduro is a usurper. It's time to restore ]"; he outlined Venezuela's erosion of democracy and his reasoning for the need to replace Maduro on an interim basis according to Venezuela's constitution.<ref>{{cite news |author=Guaidó, Juan |title=Maduro is a usurper. It's time to restore democracy in Venezuela. |newspaper=The Washington Post |url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/opinions/2019/01/15/maduro-is-usurper-its-time-restore-democracy-venezuela/?noredirect=on |access-date=20 January 2019}}</ref> | |||
Guaidó was detained on 13 January by the ] (SEBIN)<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.semana.com/noticias/articulo/alejandro-baena-candidato-liberal-alcaldia-cali/59772-3|title=Alejandro Baena, candidato liberal a la alcaldía de Cali|last=Semana|website=Alejandro Baena, candidato liberal a la alcaldía de Cali|date=3 August 2003 }}</ref> and released 45 minutes later.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/world/the_americas/venezuelas-opposition-is-gambling-it-all-on-a-young-and-untested-activist-named-juan-guaido/2019/01/14/90156b76-16a4-11e9-ab79-30cd4f7926f2_story.html|title=Venezuela's opposition is gambling it all on a young and untested activist named Juan Guaidó|newspaper=]|access-date=15 January 2019}}</ref> The SEBIN agents who intercepted his car and took him into custody were fired.<ref name=BBCDetained/><ref>{{cite news|url=https://noticias.caracoltv.com/mundo/gobierno-maduro-destituyo-agentes-que-detuvieron-juan-guaido-en-un-procedimiento-irregular|title=Gobierno Maduro destituyó a agentes que detuvieron a Juan Guaidó en un procedimiento "irregular"|date=13 January 2019|access-date=15 January 2019|publisher=Noticias Caracol|agency=EFE|language=es}}</ref> The Information Minister, ], said the agents did not have instructions and the arrest was orchestrated by Guaidó as a "media stunt" to gain popularity; ] correspondents said that it appeared to be a genuine ambush to send a message to the opposition.<ref name=BBCDetained>{{Cite news|url=https://www.bbc.com/news/world-latin-america-46857643|title=Venezuela opposition leader briefly detained|date=13 January 2019|work=]|access-date=14 January 2019}}</ref> Almagro condemned the arrest, which he called a "kidnapping", while Pompeo referred to it as an "arbitrary detention".<ref name=LeaderDetained>{{Cite news|url=https://www.theguardian.com/world/2019/jan/13/venezuela-opposition-leader-briefly-detained-juan-guaido-maduro|title=Venezuela opposition leader briefly detained after challenging Maduro|author =Phillips, Tom|date=13 January 2019|newspaper=]|access-date=14 January 2019|issn=0261-3077}}</ref> After his detention, Guaidó said that Rodríguez's admission that the SEBIN agents acted independently showed that the government had lost control of its security forces; he called ] (the presidential palace) "desperate",<ref name="BBCDetained" /><ref name="LeaderDetained" /> and stated: "There is one legitimate president of the National Assembly and of all Venezuela."<ref>{{cite web|url=https://albertonews.com/principales/juan-guaido-desde-vargas-hay-un-presidente-legitimo-de-la-an-y-de-toda-venezuela/|title=Juan Guaidó desde Vargas: 'Hay un presidente legítimo de la AN y de toda Venezuela'|website=albertonews.com|date=13 January 2019|access-date=13 May 2019|trans-title=Juan Guaidó from Vargas: 'There is a legitimate president of the NA and of all Venezuela'|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190114153207/https://albertonews.com/principales/juan-guaido-desde-vargas-hay-un-presidente-legitimo-de-la-an-y-de-toda-venezuela/|archive-date=14 January 2019|url-status=dead}}</ref> | |||
On 21 January, over two dozen National Guardsmen participated in a mutiny against Maduro with the assistance of residents in the area during the early morning hours. Government forces repressed the protestors tear gas and the officers were later captured.<ref>{{Cite news |date=21 January 2019 |title=Venezuela: Reprimen a vecinos que respaldan levantamiento militar contra Maduro |language=es |website=] |url=https://elcomercio.pe/mundo/venezuela/cotiza-reprimen-vecinos-respaldan-levantamiento-guardia-nacional-bolivariana-gnb-nicolas-maduro-videos-noticia-599586-noticia/ |access-date=1 February 2020}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |last=Phillips |first=Tom |date=2019-01-22 |title=Venezuela claims it has foiled attempted military uprising |language=en-GB |work=] |url=https://www.theguardian.com/world/2019/jan/21/venezuela-claims-foiled-attempted-military-uprising |access-date=2019-01-22 |issn=0261-3077}}</ref> During the night, over thirty communities in Caracas and surrounding areas participated in strong protests against the Maduro government.<ref name="patillajanuarynocturnas">{{Cite web |date=2019-01-22 |title=Seguid el ejemplo que Caracas dio: Confirman protestas nocturnas contra Maduro en 30 comunidades capitalinas |url=http://www.lapatilla.com/2019/01/22/seguid-el-ejemplo-que-caracas-dio-confirman-protestas-nocturnas-contra-maduro-en-30-comunidades-capitalinas/ |access-date=2019-01-22 |website=] |language=es-ES}}</ref> The strongest protests occurred in San José de Cotiza, where the rebel National Guardsmen were arrested, with demonstrations spreading throughout nearby communities, with ]s heard throughout Caracas.<ref name="patillajanuarynocturnas" /> One woman who was confused for a protester was killed in San José de Cotiza by members of a ], who stole her phone.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2019-01-21 |title=Mujer fue asesinada en la puerta de su casa por un colectivo en Cotiza |url=http://www.el-nacional.com/noticias/sucesos/mujer-fue-asesinada-puerta-casa-por-colectivo-cotiza_267452 |access-date=2019-01-22 |website=] |language=es}}</ref> On 22 January, Vice President ] called Guaidó personally and assured him that the United States would support his declaration.{{sfn|Neuman|2022|pp=211-217 |loc= Chapter 23: "Swearing In"}} | |||
==== Guaidó swears oath as acting president ==== | |||
=== Guaidó declares himself acting president === | |||
] | ] | ||
On 23 January, Guaidó swore to serve as acting president.<ref name=GuaidoSwears/> On that morning, Guaidó tweeted, "The world's eyes are on our homeland today."<ref name=FacesCall/><ref name=WorldEyes>{{cite web |url= https://twitter.com/jguaido/status/1088048732967501824 |publisher= Twitter |author= Guaido, Juan |title= Juan Guaidó on Twitter |date= 23 January 2019 |access-date= 7 February 2019}}</ref> On that day, millions of Venezuelans<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.wsj.com/articles/revolt-in-venezuela-11548289111|title=Revolt in Venezuela|newspaper=]|access-date=24 January 2019|date= 23 January 2019}}</ref> demonstrated across the country and world in support of Guaidó,<ref name=BBCProt>{{cite news |url= https://www.bbc.com/mundo/noticias-america-latina-46979531 |work= BBC News Mundo |language=es |title= Protestas en Venezuela: miles de personas participan en manifestaciones masivas contra el gobierno de Maduro |date= 23 January 2019 |access-date= 30 January 2019}}</ref><ref name=MarchasMasivas>{{cite news |url= https://www.infobae.com/america/venezuela/2019/01/24/las-50-fotos-de-las-masivas-marchas-contra-la-dictadura-de-nicolas-maduro-en-venezuela-y-latinoamerica/ |language=es |title= Las 50 fotos de las masivas marchas contra la dictadura de Nicolás Maduro en Venezuela y Latinoamérica |work= Infobae |date= 24 January 2019 |access-date= 30 January 2019}}</ref> with a few hundred supporting Maduro outside Miraflores.<ref name=DefiantMaduro>{{cite news |url= https://www.cnn.com/2019/01/23/americas/venezuela-protests/index.html |title= Maduro defiant as Venezuelan opposition leader declares himself acting president |author= Sanchez, Ray and Nicole Chavez |work= CNN |date= 23 January 2019 |access-date= 30 January 2019}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.theguardian.com/world/2019/jan/23/enezuela-trump-president-juan-guaido-maduro-recognition-news-latest|title=Venezuela: Trump recognises opposition leader as president|last=Daniels|first=Joe Parkin|date=23 January 2019|newspaper=]|access-date=23 January 2019|issn=0261-3077}}</ref> At one end of the blocked street was a stage where Guaidó spoke and took an oath to serve as interim president.<ref name= HeedCall>{{cite news|url=https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2019-01-23/venezuelans-heed-call-to-hit-streets-with-maduro-under-pressure|title=Venezuelans heed call to hit the streets with Maduro under pressure|website=Bloomberg.com|date=23 January 2019 |access-date=23 January 2019}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/world/the_americas/venezuela-opposition-leader-juan-guaido-declares-himself-interim-president-before-thousands-cheering-in-support/2019/01/23/9f5e7f32-1f37-11e9-a759-2b8541bbbe20_story.html|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190123180113/https://www.washingtonpost.com/world/the_americas/venezuela-opposition-leader-juan-guaido-declares-himself-interim-president-before-thousands-cheering-in-support/2019/01/23/9f5e7f32-1f37-11e9-a759-2b8541bbbe20_story.html|url-status=dead|archive-date=23 January 2019|title=Venezuela opposition leader Juan Guaido declares himself interim president before thousands cheering in support|newspaper=]|access-date=23 January 2019}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.cnn.com/americas/live-news/venezuela-protests-2019/index.html|title=Violent protests in Venezuela: Live updates|date=23 January 2019|website= |
On 23 January, Guaidó swore to serve as acting president.<ref name=GuaidoSwears/> On that morning, Guaidó tweeted, "The world's eyes are on our homeland today."<ref name=FacesCall/><ref name=WorldEyes>{{cite web |url= https://twitter.com/jguaido/status/1088048732967501824 |publisher= Twitter |author= Guaido, Juan |title= Juan Guaidó on Twitter |date= 23 January 2019 |access-date= 7 February 2019}}</ref> On that day, millions of Venezuelans<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.wsj.com/articles/revolt-in-venezuela-11548289111|title=Revolt in Venezuela|newspaper=]|access-date=24 January 2019|date= 23 January 2019}}</ref> demonstrated across the country and world in support of Guaidó,<ref name=BBCProt>{{cite news |url= https://www.bbc.com/mundo/noticias-america-latina-46979531 |work= BBC News Mundo |language=es |title= Protestas en Venezuela: miles de personas participan en manifestaciones masivas contra el gobierno de Maduro |date= 23 January 2019 |access-date= 30 January 2019}}</ref><ref name=MarchasMasivas>{{cite news |url= https://www.infobae.com/america/venezuela/2019/01/24/las-50-fotos-de-las-masivas-marchas-contra-la-dictadura-de-nicolas-maduro-en-venezuela-y-latinoamerica/ |language=es |title= Las 50 fotos de las masivas marchas contra la dictadura de Nicolás Maduro en Venezuela y Latinoamérica |work= Infobae |date= 24 January 2019 |access-date= 30 January 2019}}</ref> with a few hundred supporting Maduro outside Miraflores.<ref name=DefiantMaduro>{{cite news |url= https://www.cnn.com/2019/01/23/americas/venezuela-protests/index.html |title= Maduro defiant as Venezuelan opposition leader declares himself acting president |author= Sanchez, Ray and Nicole Chavez |work= CNN |date= 23 January 2019 |access-date= 30 January 2019}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.theguardian.com/world/2019/jan/23/enezuela-trump-president-juan-guaido-maduro-recognition-news-latest|title=Venezuela: Trump recognises opposition leader as president|last=Daniels|first=Joe Parkin|date=23 January 2019|newspaper=]|access-date=23 January 2019|issn=0261-3077}}</ref> At one end of the blocked street was a stage where Guaidó spoke and took an oath to serve as interim president.<ref name= HeedCall>{{cite news|url=https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2019-01-23/venezuelans-heed-call-to-hit-streets-with-maduro-under-pressure|title=Venezuelans heed call to hit the streets with Maduro under pressure|website=Bloomberg.com|date=23 January 2019 |access-date=23 January 2019}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/world/the_americas/venezuela-opposition-leader-juan-guaido-declares-himself-interim-president-before-thousands-cheering-in-support/2019/01/23/9f5e7f32-1f37-11e9-a759-2b8541bbbe20_story.html|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190123180113/https://www.washingtonpost.com/world/the_americas/venezuela-opposition-leader-juan-guaido-declares-himself-interim-president-before-thousands-cheering-in-support/2019/01/23/9f5e7f32-1f37-11e9-a759-2b8541bbbe20_story.html|url-status=dead|archive-date=23 January 2019|title=Venezuela opposition leader Juan Guaido declares himself interim president before thousands cheering in support|newspaper=]|access-date=23 January 2019}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.cnn.com/americas/live-news/venezuela-protests-2019/index.html|title=Violent protests in Venezuela: Live updates|date=23 January 2019|website=CNN|access-date=23 January 2019}}</ref> Minutes after his speech, the United States announced that it recognized Guaidó as interim president while presidents ] of Colombia and ] of Brazil, beside deputy Canadian prime minister ], announced at the ] that they too recognized him.{{sfn|Neuman|2022|pp=211-217 |loc= Chapter 23: "Swearing In"}} | ||
The ] used tear gas on gathering crowds at other locations,<ref name= HeedCall/> and ].<ref name=FacesCall>{{Cite news|url=https://www.theguardian.com/world/2019/jan/23/venezuela-protests-thousands-march-against-maduro-as-opposition-sees-chance-for-change|title=Venezuela protests: thousands march as military faces call to abandon Maduro|author=Daniels, Joe Parkin|date=23 January 2019|newspaper=]|access-date=23 January 2019|issn=0261-3077}}</ref> Some protests grew violent,<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.theguardian.com/world/gallery/2019/jan/24/venezuela-protests-as-two-leaders-vie-to-be-president-in-pictures|title=Venezuela protests as two leaders vie to be president – in pictures|website=The Guardian|date=24 January 2019 |access-date=24 January 2019}}</ref> and at least 13 people were killed.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.lapatilla.com/2019/01/23/reportan-13-fallecidos-tras-ultimas-protestas-en-todo-el-pais-23ene/|title=Reportan 13 fallecidos tras últimas protestas en todo el país #23Ene|date=23 January 2019|website=]|language=es-ES|access-date=24 January 2019}}</ref> ] of the ] requested a UN investigation into the security forces' use of violence.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://edition.cnn.com/2019/01/25/americas/venezuela-maduro-guaido-us-embassy-consulates/index.html|title=UN calls for Venezuela investigation|website=CNN|access-date=25 January 2019}}</ref> | The ] used tear gas on gathering crowds at other locations,<ref name= HeedCall/> and ].<ref name=FacesCall>{{Cite news|url=https://www.theguardian.com/world/2019/jan/23/venezuela-protests-thousands-march-against-maduro-as-opposition-sees-chance-for-change|title=Venezuela protests: thousands march as military faces call to abandon Maduro|author=Daniels, Joe Parkin|date=23 January 2019|newspaper=]|access-date=23 January 2019|issn=0261-3077}}</ref> Some protests grew violent,<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.theguardian.com/world/gallery/2019/jan/24/venezuela-protests-as-two-leaders-vie-to-be-president-in-pictures|title=Venezuela protests as two leaders vie to be president – in pictures|website=The Guardian|date=24 January 2019 |access-date=24 January 2019}}</ref> and at least 13 people were killed.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.lapatilla.com/2019/01/23/reportan-13-fallecidos-tras-ultimas-protestas-en-todo-el-pais-23ene/|title=Reportan 13 fallecidos tras últimas protestas en todo el país #23Ene|date=23 January 2019|website=]|language=es-ES|access-date=24 January 2019}}</ref> ] of the ] requested a UN investigation into the security forces' use of violence.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://edition.cnn.com/2019/01/25/americas/venezuela-maduro-guaido-us-embassy-consulates/index.html|title=UN calls for Venezuela investigation|website=CNN|date=25 January 2019 |access-date=25 January 2019}}</ref> | ||
] meets with Carlos Vecchio, ], and other Washington-based Venezuelan representatives on 29 January 2019]] | ] meets with Carlos Vecchio, ], and other Washington-based Venezuelan representatives on 29 January 2019]] | ||
Guaidó began to appoint individuals in late January to serve as aides or diplomats, including ] as the Guaidó administration's diplomatic envoy to the US,<ref name="ReutersVecchio27Ene">{{cite news |url= https://www.reuters.com/article/us-venezuela-politics-usa/trump-administration-accepts-guaido-ally-as-venezuela-envoy-in-us-idUSKCN1PL0TO |title= Trump administration accepts Guaido ally as Venezuela envoy in U.S.|work= Reuters |date= 27 January 2019 |access-date= 27 January 2019}}</ref> ] to the OAS,<ref name="CSISTarre">{{cite web |url= https://www.csis.org/events/conversation-venezuelas-new-permanent-representative-oas-special-ambassador-gustavo-tarre |publisher= Center for Strategic and International Studies |title= A Conversation with Venezuela's New Permanent Representative to the OAS, Special Ambassador Gustavo Tarre |date= 29 January 2019 |access-date= 29 January 2019}}</ref> and ] to represent Venezuela in the ].<ref name="ParliamentOK">{{cite news |url= http://noticias.alianzanews.com/309_hispanic-world/5924526_venezuelan-parliament-oks-guaido-s-diplomatic-appointments.html |title= Venezuelan Parliament OKs Guaido's diplomatic appointments |date= 29 January 2019 |access-date= 30 January 2019 |work= Alianza News |archive-date= 30 January 2019 |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20190130110641/http://noticias.alianzanews.com/309_hispanic-world/5924526_venezuelan-parliament-oks-guaido-s-diplomatic-appointments.html |url-status= dead }}</ref> He announced that the National Assembly had approved a commission to implement a plan for the reconstruction of Venezuela,<ref name= ElComercioPP>{{cite news |url= https://elcomercio.pe/mundo/venezuela/juan-guaido-vivo-presenta-plan-pais-rescatar-venezuela-noticia-603012 |title= En vivo: Juan Guaidó presenta su Plan País para rescatar a Venezuela |work= El Comercio |date= 31 January 2019 |access-date= 31 January 2019}}</ref><ref name= PPHEAD>{{cite news |url= http://caraboboesnoticia.com/instalada-comision-plan-pais-de-la-asamblea-nacional/ |language= es |work= Caraboboes Noticia |date= 31 January 2019 |access-date= 31 January 2019 |title= Instalada Comision Plan Pais de la Asamblea Nacional |archive-date= 22 April 2019 |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20190422193805/http://caraboboesnoticia.com/instalada-comision-plan-pais-de-la-asamblea-nacional/ |url-status= dead }}</ref> called ] (Plan for the Country),<ref name=UnivisionPP>{{cite news |url= https://www.univision.com/univision-news/latin-america/venezuelas-guaido-to-announce-national-reconstruction-plan-for-the-day-after |date= 30 January 2019 |access-date= 1 February 2019 |title= Venezuela's Guaidó to announce national reconstruction plan 'for the day after' |author= Adams, David and Tamoa Calzadilla |work= Univision}}</ref> and he offered an ], approved by the National Assembly, for military personnel and authorities who help to "restore constitutional order".<ref>{{cite news |url= http://www.el-nacional.com/noticias/politica/juan-guaido-ofrecio-detalles-sobre-ley-amnistia_268057 |language=es | title= Juan Guaidó ofreció detalles sobre Ley de Amnistía |work= El Nacional |date= 25 January 2019 |access-date= 28 January 2019}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.bbc.com/news/world-latin-america-46997555|title=Venezuela's Maduro 'could get amnesty'|date=25 January 2019|work=BBC News|access-date=25 January 2019}}</ref> The ] was approved by the National Assembly on 5 February.<ref name= ElNacional8Feb>{{cite news |url= http://www.el-nacional.com/noticias/politica/estatuto-que-rige-transicion-entro-vigencia-martes_269938 |title= El estatuto que rige la transición entró en vigencia el martes |trans-title= The statute governing the transition took effect on Tuesday |language= es |work= El Nacional |date= 8 February 2019 |access-date= 9 March 2019 | author= Brito, Estefani}}</ref> | Guaidó began to appoint individuals in late January to serve as aides or diplomats, including ] as the Guaidó administration's diplomatic envoy to the US,<ref name="ReutersVecchio27Ene">{{cite news |url= https://www.reuters.com/article/us-venezuela-politics-usa/trump-administration-accepts-guaido-ally-as-venezuela-envoy-in-us-idUSKCN1PL0TO |title= Trump administration accepts Guaido ally as Venezuela envoy in U.S.|work= Reuters |date= 27 January 2019 |access-date= 27 January 2019}}</ref> ] to the OAS,<ref name="CSISTarre">{{cite web |url= https://www.csis.org/events/conversation-venezuelas-new-permanent-representative-oas-special-ambassador-gustavo-tarre |publisher= Center for Strategic and International Studies |title= A Conversation with Venezuela's New Permanent Representative to the OAS, Special Ambassador Gustavo Tarre |date= 29 January 2019 |access-date= 29 January 2019}}</ref> and ] to represent Venezuela in the ].<ref name="ParliamentOK">{{cite news |url= http://noticias.alianzanews.com/309_hispanic-world/5924526_venezuelan-parliament-oks-guaido-s-diplomatic-appointments.html |title= Venezuelan Parliament OKs Guaido's diplomatic appointments |date= 29 January 2019 |access-date= 30 January 2019 |work= Alianza News |archive-date= 30 January 2019 |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20190130110641/http://noticias.alianzanews.com/309_hispanic-world/5924526_venezuelan-parliament-oks-guaido-s-diplomatic-appointments.html |url-status= dead }}</ref> He announced that the National Assembly had approved a commission to implement a plan for the reconstruction of Venezuela,<ref name= ElComercioPP>{{cite news |url= https://elcomercio.pe/mundo/venezuela/juan-guaido-vivo-presenta-plan-pais-rescatar-venezuela-noticia-603012 |title= En vivo: Juan Guaidó presenta su Plan País para rescatar a Venezuela |work= El Comercio |date= 31 January 2019 |access-date= 31 January 2019}}</ref><ref name= PPHEAD>{{cite news |url= http://caraboboesnoticia.com/instalada-comision-plan-pais-de-la-asamblea-nacional/ |language= es |work= Caraboboes Noticia |date= 31 January 2019 |access-date= 31 January 2019 |title= Instalada Comision Plan Pais de la Asamblea Nacional |archive-date= 22 April 2019 |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20190422193805/http://caraboboesnoticia.com/instalada-comision-plan-pais-de-la-asamblea-nacional/ |url-status= dead }}</ref> called ] (Plan for the Country),<ref name=UnivisionPP>{{cite news |url= https://www.univision.com/univision-news/latin-america/venezuelas-guaido-to-announce-national-reconstruction-plan-for-the-day-after |date= 30 January 2019 |access-date= 1 February 2019 |title= Venezuela's Guaidó to announce national reconstruction plan 'for the day after' |author= Adams, David and Tamoa Calzadilla |work= Univision}}</ref> and he offered an ], approved by the National Assembly, for military personnel and authorities who help to "restore constitutional order".<ref>{{cite news |url= http://www.el-nacional.com/noticias/politica/juan-guaido-ofrecio-detalles-sobre-ley-amnistia_268057 |language=es | title= Juan Guaidó ofreció detalles sobre Ley de Amnistía |work= El Nacional |date= 25 January 2019 |access-date= 28 January 2019}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.bbc.com/news/world-latin-america-46997555|title=Venezuela's Maduro 'could get amnesty'|date=25 January 2019|work=BBC News|access-date=25 January 2019}}</ref> The ] was approved by the National Assembly on 5 February.<ref name= ElNacional8Feb>{{cite news |url= http://www.el-nacional.com/noticias/politica/estatuto-que-rige-transicion-entro-vigencia-martes_269938 |title= El estatuto que rige la transición entró en vigencia el martes |trans-title= The statute governing the transition took effect on Tuesday |language= es |work= El Nacional |date= 8 February 2019 |access-date= 9 March 2019 | author= Brito, Estefani}}</ref> | ||
As of July 2019, the National Assembly had approved Juan Guaidó's appointment has named 37 ambassadors and foreign representatives to international organizations and nations abroad.<ref name=":72">{{cite web|title=Asamblea Nacional nombra "representantes diplomáticos" del gobierno de Guaidó ante el hemisferio|url=https://www.elnuevoherald.com/noticias/mundo/america-latina/venezuela-es/article225236365.html|access-date=30 January 2019|website=elnuevoherald|language=en}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|date=29 January 2019|title=El Parlamento de Venezuela nombra "representantes diplomáticos" ante una decena de países y el Grupo de Lima|work=Europa Press|agency=Reuters|url=https://www.europapress.es/internacional/noticia-parlamento-venezuela-nombra-representantes-diplomaticos-decena-paises-grupo-lima-20190129191705.html|access-date=30 January 2019}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|date=5 February 2019|title=AN designó nuevos embajadores de Venezuela en Brasil, Paraguay y Guatemala|url=https://noticiero52.com/an-realizo-sesion-ordinaria-este-martes/|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190207020447/https://noticiero52.com/an-realizo-sesion-ordinaria-este-martes/|archive-date=7 February 2019|access-date=6 February 2019|website=Noticiero 52}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|last=Manzi|first=Waleska|date=19 February 2019|title=Designados por la Asamblea Nacional 17 nuevos embajadores venezolanos|url=https://evtvmiami.com/designados-por-la-asamblea-nacional-17-nuevos-embajadores-venezolanos/|access-date=20 February 2019|website=EvTV}}</ref> | As of July 2019, the National Assembly had approved Juan Guaidó's appointment has named 37 ambassadors and foreign representatives to international organizations and nations abroad.<ref name=":72">{{cite web|title=Asamblea Nacional nombra "representantes diplomáticos" del gobierno de Guaidó ante el hemisferio|url=https://www.elnuevoherald.com/noticias/mundo/america-latina/venezuela-es/article225236365.html|access-date=30 January 2019|website=elnuevoherald|language=en}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|date=29 January 2019|title=El Parlamento de Venezuela nombra "representantes diplomáticos" ante una decena de países y el Grupo de Lima|work=Europa Press|agency=Reuters|url=https://www.europapress.es/internacional/noticia-parlamento-venezuela-nombra-representantes-diplomaticos-decena-paises-grupo-lima-20190129191705.html|access-date=30 January 2019}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|date=5 February 2019|title=AN designó nuevos embajadores de Venezuela en Brasil, Paraguay y Guatemala|url=https://noticiero52.com/an-realizo-sesion-ordinaria-este-martes/|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190207020447/https://noticiero52.com/an-realizo-sesion-ordinaria-este-martes/|archive-date=7 February 2019|access-date=6 February 2019|website=Noticiero 52}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|last=Manzi|first=Waleska|date=19 February 2019|title=Designados por la Asamblea Nacional 17 nuevos embajadores venezolanos|url=https://evtvmiami.com/designados-por-la-asamblea-nacional-17-nuevos-embajadores-venezolanos/|access-date=20 February 2019|website=EvTV|archive-date=21 February 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190221054722/https://evtvmiami.com/designados-por-la-asamblea-nacional-17-nuevos-embajadores-venezolanos/|url-status=dead}}</ref> | ||
{| class="wikitable" | {| class="wikitable" | ||
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|] | |] | ||
|]{{efn|In August 2019, ambassador to the Czech Republic, ], resigned. On September, ] also resigned as the Venezuelan representative to the ].{{ |
|]{{efn|name="Resignations"|In August 2019, ambassador to the Czech Republic, ], resigned. On September, ] also resigned as the Venezuelan representative to the ].<ref>{{Cite web |date=2019-09-27 |title=Ricardo Haussmann renuncia a representación de Venezuela por Guaidó ante el BID |trans-title=Ricardo Haussmann resigns to Venezuela's representation for Guaidó at the IDB |url=https://runrun.es/noticias/389456/ricardo-haussmann-renuncia-a-representacion-de-venezuela-por-guaido-ante-el-bid/ |access-date=2022-11-15 |website=] |publisher=]}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=2019-09-27 |title=Ricardo Hausmann renuncia a responsabilidades en el BID |trans-title=Ricardo Hausmann resigns from responsibilities at the IDB |url=https://www.elnacional.com/venezuela/ricardo-hausmann-renuncia-a-responsabilidades-en-el-bid/ |access-date=2022-11-15 |website=] |language=es}}</ref>}} | ||
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|] | |] | ||
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|Carmen Alguindingue | |] | ||
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|{{Flag|Argentina}} | |{{Flag|Argentina}} | ||
|] (2019–2020)<ref>{{Cite news| |
|] (2019–2020)<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.reuters.com/article/us-argentina-venezuela-trotta-idUSKBN1Z62IM|title=Argentina revokes credentials of representative for Venezuela's Guaido|date=7 January 2020|work=Reuters|access-date=10 January 2020|language=en}}</ref> | ||
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|] | |] | ||
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|{{Flag|Bulgaria}} | |{{Flag|Bulgaria}} | ||
|Estefanía Meléndez | |{{ill|Estefanía Meléndez|es}} | ||
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|''Vacant''{{efn|name="Resignations"}} | |||
|''Vacant''{{efn|In August 2019, ambassador to the Czech Republic, ], resigned. On September, ] also resigned as the Venezuelan representative to the ].{{Citation needed|date=December 2019}}}} | |||
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|María Teresa Romero | |{{ill|María Teresa Romero|es|María Teresa Romero (politóloga)}} | ||
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|Fabiola Zavarce | |] | ||
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==== Maduro response ==== | ==== Maduro response ==== | ||
Maduro accused the |
Maduro accused the United States of backing a coup and said he would cut ties with them.<ref name=DefiantMaduroCNN>{{cite news|url=https://www.cnn.com/2019/01/23/americas/venezuela-protests/index.html|title=Maduro defiant as Venezuelan opposition leader declares himself acting president|author=Sanchez, Ray and Nicole Chavez |work= CNN|date=23 January 2019|access-date= 28 January 2019}}</ref> He said Guaidó's actions were part of a "well-written script from Washington" to create a ] of the United States,<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.lapatilla.com/2019/01/25/maduro-rueda-prensa/|title=Maduro: Hay un golpe mediático internacional contra Venezuela para desfigurar la situación real|date=25 January 2019|website=]|language=es-ES|access-date=26 January 2019}}</ref> and appealed to the American people in a 31 January video, asking them not to "convert Venezuela into another Vietnam".<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.cbsnews.com/news/venezuela-nicolas-maduros-military-us-backed-juan-guaido-calls-for-support/|title=Venezuela power struggle hinges on Nicolas Maduro's military|date=31 January 2019|work=CBS News|access-date=2 February 2019}}</ref> | ||
Maduro asked for dialogue with Guaidó, saying "if I have to go meet this boy in the ] at three in the morning I am going, if I have to go naked, I am going, that today, sooner rather than later, the way is open for a reasonable, sincere dialogue".<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.lapatilla.com/2019/01/25/maduro-reunion-guaido-desnudo/|title=Maduro está dispuesto a reunirse con Guaidó "desnudo o a las tres de la mañana en el Humboldt"|date=25 January 2019|website=]|language=es-ES|access-date=26 January 2019}}</ref> He stated he would not leave the presidential office, saying that he was elected in compliance with the Venezuelan constitution.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.lapatilla.com/2019/01/25/maduro-no-dejare-cargo/|title=Maduro se atornilló en la silla: No he abandonado, ni dejaré el cargo|date=25 January 2019|website=]|language=es-ES|access-date=26 January 2019}}</ref> With the two giving speeches to supporters at the same time, Guaidó replied to Maduro's call for dialogue, saying he would not initiate diplomatic talks with Maduro because he believed it would be a farce and fake diplomacy that could not achieve anything.<ref>{{cite |
Maduro asked for dialogue with Guaidó, saying "if I have to go meet this boy in the ] at three in the morning I am going, if I have to go naked, I am going, that today, sooner rather than later, the way is open for a reasonable, sincere dialogue".<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.lapatilla.com/2019/01/25/maduro-reunion-guaido-desnudo/|title=Maduro está dispuesto a reunirse con Guaidó "desnudo o a las tres de la mañana en el Humboldt"|date=25 January 2019|website=]|language=es-ES|access-date=26 January 2019}}</ref> He stated he would not leave the presidential office, saying that he was elected in compliance with the Venezuelan constitution.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.lapatilla.com/2019/01/25/maduro-no-dejare-cargo/|title=Maduro se atornilló en la silla: No he abandonado, ni dejaré el cargo|date=25 January 2019|website=]|language=es-ES|access-date=26 January 2019}}</ref> With the two giving speeches to supporters at the same time, Guaidó replied to Maduro's call for dialogue, saying he would not initiate diplomatic talks with Maduro because he believed it would be a farce and fake diplomacy that could not achieve anything.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-latin-america-47009301|title=Venezuela crisis: Guaidó rejects calls to talk with Maduro|work=BBC News |date=25 January 2019 |access-date=25 January 2019}}</ref> | ||
On 18 February, Maduro's government expelled a group of Members of the ] that planned to meet Guaidó.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://efectococuyo.com/principales/espana-y-francia-condenan-la-expulsion-de-eurodiputados-de-venezuela/|title=España y Francia condenan la expulsión de eurodiputados de Venezuela|date=18 February 2019|access-date=20 February 2019|agency=]|language=es}}</ref> The expulsion was condemned by Guaidó as well as ], president of the ], and the Colombian government.<ref>{{Cite news|url=http://efectococuyo.com/internacionales/expulsion-de-europarlamentarios-recibe-condena-nacional-e-internacional/|title=Expulsión de europarlamentarios recibe condena nacional e internacional|last=Fermín Kancev|first=María Victoria|date=17 February 2019|work=Efecto Cocuyo|access-date=4 March 2019|language=es}}</ref> Maduro's Foreign Minister ] defended the expulsions,<ref>{{Cite tweet |user=jaarreaza |number=1097290259551977472 |date = 17 February 2019 |title=Por vías oficiales diplomáticas, las autoridades del Gobierno Bolivariano de Venezuela le notificaron hace varios días al grupo de eurodiputados que pretendía visitar el país con fines conspirativos, que no serían admitidos y se les instó a desistir y evitar así otra provocación }}</ref> saying that the constitutional government of Venezuela "will not allow the European extreme right to disturb the peace and stability of the country with another of its gross interventionist actions."<ref>{{Cite tweet |user=jaarreaza |number=1097290265763741696 |date = 17 February 2019 |title=El Gobierno Constitucional de la República Bolivariana de Venezuela no permitirá que la extrema derecha europea perturbe la paz y estabilidad del país con otra de sus groseras acciones injerencistas. ¡Venezuela se Respeta! }}</ref> | On 18 February, Maduro's government expelled a group of Members of the ] that planned to meet Guaidó.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://efectococuyo.com/principales/espana-y-francia-condenan-la-expulsion-de-eurodiputados-de-venezuela/|title=España y Francia condenan la expulsión de eurodiputados de Venezuela|date=18 February 2019|access-date=20 February 2019|agency=]|language=es}}</ref> The expulsion was condemned by Guaidó as well as ], president of the ], and the Colombian government.<ref>{{Cite news|url=http://efectococuyo.com/internacionales/expulsion-de-europarlamentarios-recibe-condena-nacional-e-internacional/|title=Expulsión de europarlamentarios recibe condena nacional e internacional|last=Fermín Kancev|first=María Victoria|date=17 February 2019|work=Efecto Cocuyo|access-date=4 March 2019|language=es}}</ref> Maduro's Foreign Minister ] defended the expulsions,<ref>{{Cite tweet |user=jaarreaza |number=1097290259551977472 |date = 17 February 2019 |title=Por vías oficiales diplomáticas, las autoridades del Gobierno Bolivariano de Venezuela le notificaron hace varios días al grupo de eurodiputados que pretendía visitar el país con fines conspirativos, que no serían admitidos y se les instó a desistir y evitar así otra provocación }}</ref> saying that the constitutional government of Venezuela "will not allow the European extreme right to disturb the peace and stability of the country with another of its gross interventionist actions."<ref>{{Cite tweet |user=jaarreaza |number=1097290265763741696 |date = 17 February 2019 |title=El Gobierno Constitucional de la República Bolivariana de Venezuela no permitirá que la extrema derecha europea perturbe la paz y estabilidad del país con otra de sus groseras acciones injerencistas. ¡Venezuela se Respeta! }}</ref> | ||
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}} | }} | ||
] have been present since 2007 during the presidency of ].<ref name="EUjan2012">{{cite news|url=http://www.eluniversal.com/economia/120106/shortage-at-its-highest-since-may-2008|title=Shortage at its highest since May 2008|date=6 January 2012|access-date=3 December 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170806145021/http://www.eluniversal.com/economia/120106/shortage-at-its-highest-since-may-2008|archive-date=6 August 2017|url-status=bot: unknown|agency=El Universal}}</ref> In 2016, the ] declared a humanitarian crisis, asking Maduro's government to provide access to essential medicines and medical supplies.<ref name="ANDeclara" /> Before the presidential crisis, the Maduro government denied several offers of aid, stating that there was not a humanitarian crisis and that such claims were used to justify foreign intervention.<ref name="Bundle1">{{Cite news|url=https://www.lapatilla.com/2018/09/26/maduro-niega-la-diaspora-venezolana-en-la-onu-se-ha-fabricado-por-distintas-vias-una-crisis-migratoria-que-se-cae-por-su-propio-peso/|title=Maduro niega la diáspora venezolana en la ONU: Se ha fabricado por distintas vías una crisis migratoria - LaPatilla.com|date=26 September 2018|work=]|access-date=20 February 2019|language=es-ES}}<br />* {{cite news|url=http://www.cnn.com/2016/10/13/americas/cnnphotos-venezuela-food-crisis/|title=The face of hunger in Venezuela|author=Charner, Flora|date=15 October 2016|work=]|access-date=20 February 2019}}<br />* {{Cite news|url=https://www.wsj.com/articles/venezuelans-die-as-maduro-government-refuses-medical-aid-1523025805|title=Venezuelans Die as Maduro Government Refuses Medical Aid|author=Vyas, Kejal and Ryan Dube|date=6 April 2018|work=]|access-date=20 February 2019|issn=0099-9660}}<br />* {{Cite news|url=http://www.spiegel.de/international/world/the-country-of-hunger-inside-the-deep-suffering-in-venezuela-s-hospitals-a-1221061.html|title=The Country of Hunger: A State of Deep Suffering in Venezuela's Hospitals|author=Glüsing, Jens|date=8 August 2018|work=]|access-date=20 February 2019}}</ref> Maduro's refusal of aid worsened the effects of Venezuela's crisis.<ref name="Bundle1" /> During the presidential crisis, Maduro initially refused aid, stating that Venezuela is not a country of "beggars".<ref>{{Cite |
] have been present since 2007 during the presidency of ].<ref name="EUjan2012">{{cite news|url=http://www.eluniversal.com/economia/120106/shortage-at-its-highest-since-may-2008|title=Shortage at its highest since May 2008|date=6 January 2012|access-date=3 December 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170806145021/http://www.eluniversal.com/economia/120106/shortage-at-its-highest-since-may-2008|archive-date=6 August 2017|url-status=bot: unknown|agency=El Universal}}</ref> In 2016, the ] declared a humanitarian crisis, asking Maduro's government to provide access to essential medicines and medical supplies.<ref name="ANDeclara" /> Before the presidential crisis, the Maduro government denied several offers of aid, stating that there was not a humanitarian crisis and that such claims were used to justify foreign intervention.<ref name="Bundle1">{{Cite news|url=https://www.lapatilla.com/2018/09/26/maduro-niega-la-diaspora-venezolana-en-la-onu-se-ha-fabricado-por-distintas-vias-una-crisis-migratoria-que-se-cae-por-su-propio-peso/|title=Maduro niega la diáspora venezolana en la ONU: Se ha fabricado por distintas vías una crisis migratoria - LaPatilla.com|date=26 September 2018|work=]|access-date=20 February 2019|language=es-ES}}<br />* {{cite news|url=http://www.cnn.com/2016/10/13/americas/cnnphotos-venezuela-food-crisis/|title=The face of hunger in Venezuela|author=Charner, Flora|date=15 October 2016|work=]|access-date=20 February 2019}}<br />* {{Cite news|url=https://www.wsj.com/articles/venezuelans-die-as-maduro-government-refuses-medical-aid-1523025805|title=Venezuelans Die as Maduro Government Refuses Medical Aid|author=Vyas, Kejal and Ryan Dube|date=6 April 2018|work=]|access-date=20 February 2019|issn=0099-9660}}<br />* {{Cite news|url=http://www.spiegel.de/international/world/the-country-of-hunger-inside-the-deep-suffering-in-venezuela-s-hospitals-a-1221061.html|title=The Country of Hunger: A State of Deep Suffering in Venezuela's Hospitals|author=Glüsing, Jens|date=8 August 2018|work=]|access-date=20 February 2019}}</ref> Maduro's refusal of aid worsened the effects of Venezuela's crisis.<ref name="Bundle1" /> During the presidential crisis, Maduro initially refused aid, stating that Venezuela is not a country of "beggars".<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.infobae.com/america/venezuela/2019/02/19/la-contradiccion-de-nicolas-maduro-sobre-la-ayuda-humanitaria-en-14-dias/|title=La contradicción de Nicolás Maduro sobre la ayuda humanitaria en 14 días|date=19 February 2019|website=]|language=es-ES|access-date=20 February 2019}}</ref> | ||
Guaidó made bringing humanitarian aid to the country a priority.<ref name="France24Humanitarian">{{cite news|url=https://www.france24.com/en/20190205-venezuela-opposition-warns-military-against-preventing-entry-aid|title=Venezuela opposition warns military against preventing entry of aid|date=5 February 2019|work=France24|access-date=5 February 2019}}</ref> In early February, Maduro prevented the American-sponsored aid from entering Venezuela via Colombia,<ref name="France24Humanitarian" /><ref name="FoxAid">{{cite news|url=https://www.foxnews.com/world/venezuela-military-sets-up-blockade-on-bridge-to-stop-aid-from-colombia|title=Venezuela military sets up blockade on bridge to stop aid from Colombia|author=Suarez Sang, Lucia I.|date=6 February 2019|work=Fox News|access-date=6 February 2019}}</ref> and Venezuela's communications minister, Jorge Rodriguez, said there was a plot between Colombia, the ] and exiled Venezuelan politician ] to oust Maduro.<ref name="AIDArrives">{{cite news|url=https://www.apnews.com/b5481d5ad47d4ec2be132ed51b72e483|title=US emergency aid for Venezuela arrives at Colombian border|author=Armario, Christine |author2= ]|date=7 February 2019|access-date=7 February 2019|work=Associated Press}}</ref> Humanitarian aid intended for Venezuela was also stockpiled on the Brazilian border,<ref name="lapatilla.com">{{Cite web|url=http://www.lapatilla.com/2019/02/20/maduro-envia-tanquetas-a-santa-elena-de-uairen-para-evitar-ingreso-de-ayuda-desde-brasil-fotos/|title=Maduro envía tanquetas a Santa Elena de Uairén para evitar ingreso de ayuda desde Brasil (FOTOS)|date=20 February 2019|website=]|language=es-ES|access-date=22 February 2019}}</ref> and two indigenous ] people were killed as they attempted to block military vehicles from entering the area, when members of armed forces loyal to Maduro fired upon them with live ammunition.<ref name="Tirotearon">{{Cite web|url=http://www.lapatilla.com/2019/02/22/reportan-que-la-fanb-tiroteo-a-indigenas-en-la-gran-sabana/|title=Militares de Maduro tirotearon a indígenas pemón en la Gran Sabana: Una mujer asesinada y doce heridos (fotos)|date=22 February 2019|website=]|language=es-ES|access-date=22 February 2019}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.lapatilla.com/2019/02/22/pemones-heridos-en-ataque-de-la-gnb-son-trasladados-a-hospital-en-brasil-por-falta-de-insumos-en-venezuela-foto-y-video/|title=Pemones heridos en ataque de la GNB son trasladados a hospital en Brasil por falta de insumos en Venezuela (FOTO y VIDEO)|date=22 February 2019|website=]|language=es-ES|access-date=22 February 2019}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=http://news.trust.org/item/20190222215031-a8xxv/|title=As tensions over aid rise, Venezuelan troops fire on villagers, kill two|date=22 February 2019|website=]|access-date=23 February 2019}}</ref> | Guaidó made bringing humanitarian aid to the country a priority.<ref name="France24Humanitarian">{{cite news|url=https://www.france24.com/en/20190205-venezuela-opposition-warns-military-against-preventing-entry-aid|title=Venezuela opposition warns military against preventing entry of aid|date=5 February 2019|work=France24|access-date=5 February 2019}}</ref> In early February, Maduro prevented the American-sponsored aid from entering Venezuela via Colombia,<ref name="France24Humanitarian" /><ref name="FoxAid">{{cite news|url=https://www.foxnews.com/world/venezuela-military-sets-up-blockade-on-bridge-to-stop-aid-from-colombia|title=Venezuela military sets up blockade on bridge to stop aid from Colombia|author=Suarez Sang, Lucia I.|date=6 February 2019|work=Fox News|access-date=6 February 2019}}</ref> and Venezuela's communications minister, Jorge Rodriguez, said there was a plot between Colombia, the ] and exiled Venezuelan politician ] to oust Maduro.<ref name="AIDArrives">{{cite news|url=https://www.apnews.com/b5481d5ad47d4ec2be132ed51b72e483|title=US emergency aid for Venezuela arrives at Colombian border|author=Armario, Christine |author2= ]|date=7 February 2019|access-date=7 February 2019|work=Associated Press}}</ref> Humanitarian aid intended for Venezuela was also stockpiled on the Brazilian border,<ref name="lapatilla.com">{{Cite web|url=http://www.lapatilla.com/2019/02/20/maduro-envia-tanquetas-a-santa-elena-de-uairen-para-evitar-ingreso-de-ayuda-desde-brasil-fotos/|title=Maduro envía tanquetas a Santa Elena de Uairén para evitar ingreso de ayuda desde Brasil (FOTOS)|date=20 February 2019|website=]|language=es-ES|access-date=22 February 2019}}</ref> and two indigenous ] people were killed as they attempted to block military vehicles from entering the area, when members of armed forces loyal to Maduro fired upon them with live ammunition.<ref name="Tirotearon">{{Cite web|url=http://www.lapatilla.com/2019/02/22/reportan-que-la-fanb-tiroteo-a-indigenas-en-la-gran-sabana/|title=Militares de Maduro tirotearon a indígenas pemón en la Gran Sabana: Una mujer asesinada y doce heridos (fotos)|date=22 February 2019|website=]|language=es-ES|access-date=22 February 2019}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.lapatilla.com/2019/02/22/pemones-heridos-en-ataque-de-la-gnb-son-trasladados-a-hospital-en-brasil-por-falta-de-insumos-en-venezuela-foto-y-video/|title=Pemones heridos en ataque de la GNB son trasladados a hospital en Brasil por falta de insumos en Venezuela (FOTO y VIDEO)|date=22 February 2019|website=]|language=es-ES|access-date=22 February 2019}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=http://news.trust.org/item/20190222215031-a8xxv/|title=As tensions over aid rise, Venezuelan troops fire on villagers, kill two|date=22 February 2019|website=]|access-date=23 February 2019}}</ref> | ||
Guaidó issued an ultimatum to the Venezuelan Armed Forces, stating that humanitarian aid would enter Venezuela on 23 February and that the armed forces "will have to decide if it will be on the side of the Venezuelans and the Constitution or the usurper".<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.lapatilla.com/2019/02/12/guaido-en-11-dias-la-fanb-tendra-que-decidir-si-estan-del-lado-de-los-venezolanos-y-la-constitucion-o-del-usurpador/|title=Guaidó: En 11 días la Fanb tendrá que decidir si están del lado de los venezolanos y la Constitución o del usurpador|date=12 February 2019|website=]|language=es-ES|access-date=13 February 2019}}</ref> Guaidó defied the restriction imposed by the Maduro administration on him leaving Venezuela, secretly crossed the border,<ref name="UnseatMaduro">{{cite news|url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/world/venezuelan-opposition-looks-to-foreign-allies-for-further-steps-to-unseat-maduro/2019/02/24/3f046ce4-37bc-11e9-8375-e3dcf6b68558_story.html|title=Venezuelan opposition looks to foreign allies for further steps to unseat Maduro| |
Guaidó issued an ultimatum to the Venezuelan Armed Forces, stating that humanitarian aid would enter Venezuela on 23 February and that the armed forces "will have to decide if it will be on the side of the Venezuelans and the Constitution or the usurper".<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.lapatilla.com/2019/02/12/guaido-en-11-dias-la-fanb-tendra-que-decidir-si-estan-del-lado-de-los-venezolanos-y-la-constitucion-o-del-usurpador/|title=Guaidó: En 11 días la Fanb tendrá que decidir si están del lado de los venezolanos y la Constitución o del usurpador|date=12 February 2019|website=]|language=es-ES|access-date=13 February 2019}}</ref> Guaidó defied the restriction imposed by the Maduro administration on him leaving Venezuela, secretly crossed the border,<ref name="UnseatMaduro">{{cite news|url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/world/venezuelan-opposition-looks-to-foreign-allies-for-further-steps-to-unseat-maduro/2019/02/24/3f046ce4-37bc-11e9-8375-e3dcf6b68558_story.html|title=Venezuelan opposition looks to foreign allies for further steps to unseat Maduro|author1=Faiola, Anthony |author2=Rachelle Krygier |author3=Dylan Baddour |date=24 February 2019|newspaper=Washington Post|access-date=24 February 2019}}</ref> saying that with the help of the Venezuelan military,<ref name="FANAyudaron">{{cite news|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XPMqIDVjaZI|title=Guaidó dice que Fuerzas Armadas de Venezuela le ayudaron a entrar a Colombia|date=22 February 2019|work=Noticias Caracol|access-date=24 February 2019|publisher=YouTube official channel|language=es}}</ref> and appeared at the ] concert in Cúcuta, Colombia on 22 February,<ref name="GuaidoShows">{{cite news|url=https://www.apnews.com/0c1c016d7e3d4e5594e5ef53b84a2c53|title=The Latest: Venezuela's Guaido shows up at benefit concert|date=22 February 2019|work=Associated Press|access-date=22 February 2019}}</ref> also to be present for the ].<ref name="FANAyudaron" /><ref name="StandoffDeadly">{{cite news|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2019/02/23/world/americas/venezuela-aid-live.html|title=Venezuela Aid Standoff Turns Deadly, Maduro Severs Ties with Colombia|date=23 February 2019|work=The New York Times|access-date=24 February 2019|quote=Mr. Guaidó, standing alongside the presidents of Paraguay, Colombia, and Chile urged the Venezuelan military to allow trucks to cross the border.” and "The presidents of Colombia, Chile and Paraguay attended the concert, rallying support for the opposition and calling for an end to Mr. Maduro's presidency."}}</ref> Testing Maduro's authority, he was met by presidents ] of Colombia,<ref name="GuaidoShows" /><ref name="DiasContados">{{cite news|url=https://www.analitica.com/actualidad/actualidad-internacional/presidente-de-paraguay-viajo-a-cucuta-para-entrega-de-ayuda-humanitaria/|title=Presidente chileno Sebastián Piñera: La dictadura de Maduro tiene sus días contados|date=22 February 2019|work=Analitica|access-date=22 February 2019|language=es}}</ref> ] from Chile,<ref name="MaduroProblema">{{cite news|url=https://www.elpais.com.co/colombia/maduro-es-parte-del-problema-no-de-la-solucion-pinera-tras-aterrizar-en-cucuta.html|title='Maduro es parte del problema, no de la solución': Piñera tras aterrizar en Cúcuta|date=22 February 2019|work=El Paid|access-date=22 February 2019|language=es}}</ref> and ] from Paraguay,<ref name="RecupDem">{{cite news|url=http://www.el-nacional.com/noticias/mundo/presidente-paraguay-confia-que-venezuela-recuperara-democracia_271894|title=Presidente de Paraguay confía en que Venezuela recuperará la democracia|date=22 February 2019|work=El Nacional|access-date=22 February 2019|language=es}}</ref> as well as the OAS Secretary-General ].<ref name="DiasContados" /> | ||
On 23 February, trucks with humanitarian aid attempted to enter Venezuela from Brazil and Colombia;<ref name="cnn2">{{cite news|url=https://www.cnn.com/2019/02/23/americas/venezuela-brazil-violence-intl/index.html|title=Venezuela's Maduro breaks relations with Colombia in standoff over aid| |
On 23 February, trucks with humanitarian aid attempted to enter Venezuela from Brazil and Colombia;<ref name="cnn2">{{cite news|url=https://www.cnn.com/2019/02/23/americas/venezuela-brazil-violence-intl/index.html|title=Venezuela's Maduro breaks relations with Colombia in standoff over aid|author1=Smith-Spark, Laura |author2=Jorge Luis Perez Valery, Claudia Dominguez, Christina Maxouris |date=23 February 2019|access-date=23 February 2019|publisher=CNN}}</ref><ref name="SoldiersAbandon2">{{cite news|url=https://www.bbc.com/news/world-latin-america-47343918|title=Venezuela soldiers abandon posts at Colombia border|date=23 February 2019|access-date=23 February 2019|work=BBC News}}</ref> the attempts failed, with only one truck able to deliver aid.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2019/02/24/world/americas/venezuela-aid-maduro-guaido.html|title=With aid blocked at border, what's next move for Venezuela's opposition?|author=Casey, Nicholas Albinson Linares|date=24 February 2019|work=The New York Times|access-date=13 May 2019}}</ref> At the Colombia–Venezuela border, the caravans were tear-gassed or shot at with rubber bullets by Venezuelan personnel.<ref name="mh2402">{{cite news|url=https://www.miamiherald.com/news/nation-world/world/americas/venezuela/article226723564.html|title=Venezuela border skirmishes continue as questions swirl around torched aid bus|date=24 February 2019|work=Miami Herald}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.theguardian.com/world/live/2019/feb/23/venezuela-brazil-border-aid-live-news-latest-updates|title=Guaidó: military should disown leader who burns food in front of the hungry – as it happened|date=23 February 2019|work=The Guardian}}</ref> The National Guard repressed demonstrations on the Brazilian border and ] attacked protesters near the Colombian border,<ref>{{Cite news|url=http://epmundo.com/2019/colectivos-armados-causan-terror-en-san-antonio-del-tachira-foto/|title=Colectivos armados causan terror en San Antonio del Táchira (Foto)|date=23 February 2019|work=EP Mundo|access-date=4 March 2019|language=es}}</ref><ref name="DosMilIndigenas2">{{Cite web|url=http://www.lapatilla.com/2019/02/23/en-fotos-mas-de-dos-mil-indigenas-intentan-llegar-a-frontera-con-brasil-por-ayuda/|title=En fotos: Más de dos mil indígenas intentan llegar a frontera con Brasil por ayuda|date=23 February 2019|work=]|language=es|access-date=24 February 2019}}</ref> leaving at least four dead,<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.lapatilla.com/2019/02/23/aumentan-a-cuatro-fallecidos-y-24-heridos-todos-por-armas-de-fuego-en-santa-elena-de-uairen/|title=Aumentan a cuatro fallecidos y 24 heridos, todos por armas de fuego, en Santa Elena de Uairén|date=23 February 2019|website=]|access-date=23 February 2019}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.theguardian.com/world/2019/feb/23/venezuela-border-latest-maduro-guaido|title=Venezuela: at least four dead and hundreds injured in border standoff|date=23 February 2019|work=The Guardian|access-date=24 February 2019}}</ref> and more than 285 injured.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.lapatilla.com/2019/02/23/mas-de-285-heridos-y-14-asesinatos-por-represion-del-regimen-de-maduro-este-23feb-estima-informe-de-la-oea/|title=Más de 285 heridos y 14 asesinatos por represión del régimen de Maduro este #23Feb, estima informe de la OEA|date=23 February 2019|website=]|language=es-ES|access-date=24 February 2019}}</ref> | ||
==== Lima Group meeting and Latin American tour ==== | ==== Lima Group meeting and Latin American tour ==== | ||
] meeting in Colombia]] | ] meeting in Colombia]] | ||
Guaidó traveled from Cúcuta to ] for a 24 February meeting with US Vice President Mike Pence,<ref name="ConcreteSteps2">{{cite news|url=https://www.cnbc.com/2019/02/24/reuters-america-update-2-us-to-announce-concrete-steps-for-venezuela-crisis-on-monday-official.html|title=US to announce 'concrete steps' for Venezuela crisis on Monday-official|author=Rampton, Roberta|date=24 February 2019|work=CNBC|access-date=24 February 2019|publisher=Reuters}}</ref><ref name="DeclaracionesDuque2">{{cite news|url=https://www.eltiempo.com/mundo/venezuela/declaraciones-de-duque-y-guaido-sobre-entrega-de-ayuda-humanitaria-330614|title='El mundo vio la peor cara de la dictadura venezolana': Guaidó|date=23 February 2019|work=El Tiempo|access-date=24 February 2019|language=es}}</ref> and a 25 February meeting of the Lima Group.<ref name= UpAnte>{{cite news |url= https://www.latimes.com/world/la-fg-venezuela-pence-20190225-story.html |title= Pence says U.S. will up the ante as it seeks ouster of Venezuelan President Maduro |author= Kraul, Chris and Patrick J. McDonnell |date= 25 February 2019 |access-date= 26 February 2019 |work= Los Angeles Times}}</ref><ref name= EUWarns/> The group urged the ] to pursue charges of crimes against humanity for the Maduro administration's use of violence against civilians and blockade of humanitarian aid.<ref name=PenceTells>{{cite news |url= https://www.france24.com/en/20190225-trump-usa-pence-maduro-venezuela-guaido |work= France 24 |date= 25 February 2019 |access-date= 26 February 2019 |title= Trump is 'with you 100 percent', Pence tells Venezuelan opposition leader Guaido}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |url= https://www.businesstimes.com.sg/government-economy/lima-group-urges-icc-to-declare-venezuela-aid-blockade-crime-against-humanity |work= Business Times |title= Lima Group urges ICC to declare Venezuela aid blockade 'crime against humanity' |date= 26 February 2019 |access-date= 26 February 2019}}</ref> | Guaidó traveled from Cúcuta to ] for a 24 February meeting with US Vice President Mike Pence,<ref name="ConcreteSteps2">{{cite news|url=https://www.cnbc.com/2019/02/24/reuters-america-update-2-us-to-announce-concrete-steps-for-venezuela-crisis-on-monday-official.html|title=US to announce 'concrete steps' for Venezuela crisis on Monday-official|author=Rampton, Roberta|date=24 February 2019|work=CNBC|access-date=24 February 2019|publisher=Reuters|archive-date=24 February 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190224233515/https://www.cnbc.com/2019/02/24/reuters-america-update-2-us-to-announce-concrete-steps-for-venezuela-crisis-on-monday-official.html|url-status=dead}}</ref><ref name="DeclaracionesDuque2">{{cite news|url=https://www.eltiempo.com/mundo/venezuela/declaraciones-de-duque-y-guaido-sobre-entrega-de-ayuda-humanitaria-330614|title='El mundo vio la peor cara de la dictadura venezolana': Guaidó|date=23 February 2019|work=El Tiempo|access-date=24 February 2019|language=es}}</ref> and a 25 February meeting of the Lima Group.<ref name= UpAnte>{{cite news |url= https://www.latimes.com/world/la-fg-venezuela-pence-20190225-story.html |title= Pence says U.S. will up the ante as it seeks ouster of Venezuelan President Maduro |author= Kraul, Chris and Patrick J. McDonnell |date= 25 February 2019 |access-date= 26 February 2019 |work= Los Angeles Times}}</ref><ref name= EUWarns/> The group urged the ] to pursue charges of crimes against humanity for the Maduro administration's use of violence against civilians and blockade of humanitarian aid.<ref name=PenceTells>{{cite news |url= https://www.france24.com/en/20190225-trump-usa-pence-maduro-venezuela-guaido |work= France 24 |date= 25 February 2019 |access-date= 26 February 2019 |title= Trump is 'with you 100 percent', Pence tells Venezuelan opposition leader Guaido}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |url= https://www.businesstimes.com.sg/government-economy/lima-group-urges-icc-to-declare-venezuela-aid-blockade-crime-against-humanity |work= Business Times |title= Lima Group urges ICC to declare Venezuela aid blockade 'crime against humanity' |date= 26 February 2019 |access-date= 26 February 2019}}</ref> | ||
Pence did not rule out the use of US military force.<ref name=UpAnte/> The Venezuelan government responded saying that Pence was trying to order others to take the country's assets, and saying that its basic rights were being disregarded in a campaign to unseat Maduro.<ref name="EUWarns" /> Brazil's vice president said it would not permit its territory to be used to invade Venezuela,<ref>{{cite news |url= https://www.reuters.com/article/us-venezuela-politics-brazil/brazil-will-not-allow-u-s-use-its-territory-to-invade-venezuela-vice-president-idUSKCN1QE2DS |date= 25 February 2019 |access-date= 26 February 2019 |title= Brazil will not allow U.S. use its territory to invade Venezuela: vice president |work= Reuters}}</ref> and the European Union cautioned against the use of military force.<ref name="EUWarns">{{cite news |url= https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/2019/02/25/eu-warns-against-military-action-venezuela-mike-pence-juan-guaido/ |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/archive/20220112/https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/2019/02/25/eu-warns-against-military-action-venezuela-mike-pence-juan-guaido/ |archive-date=12 January 2022 |url-access=subscription |url-status=live |author= Alexander, Harriett |date= 26 February 2019 |access-date= 26 February 2019 |work= The Telegraph |title= EU warns against military action in Venezuela as Mike Pence and Juan Guaido meet at emergency summit}}{{cbignore}}</ref><ref name=VOAThreat>{{cite news |url= https://www.voanews.com/a/lima-group-says-serious-credible-threats-juan-guaido-life/4804009.html |title= Lima Group: There Are 'Serious and Credible' Threats on Guaido's Life |work= VOA news |date= 26 February 2019 |access-date= 26 February 2019 }}</ref> The Lima Group rejected the use of force as well.<ref name="PenceTells" /> The US ] warned pilots not to fly below 26,000 feet over Venezuela,<ref name="FAA">{{cite news |url= https://abcnews.go.com/Business/wireStory/faa-tells-pilots-caution-flying-venezuela-61302473 |title= FAA tells pilots to use caution when flying over Venezuela |work= ABC News |date= 25 February 2019 |access-date= 26 February 2019 |publisher= Associated Press |author = Koenig, David }}</ref> and ] officials said they had flown ] flights off the coast of Venezuela to gather classified intelligence about Maduro.<ref name="CNNDevelop">{{cite news | url= https://www.cnn.com/2019/02/25/americas/venezuela-developments/index.html |work= CNN |title= US flying more reconnaissance flights off Venezuela, military sources say |date= 26 February 2019 |access-date= 26 February 2019 |author= Starr, Barbara and Ralph Ellis}}</ref> | Pence did not rule out the use of US military force.<ref name=UpAnte/> The Venezuelan government responded saying that Pence was trying to order others to take the country's assets, and saying that its basic rights were being disregarded in a campaign to unseat Maduro.<ref name="EUWarns" /> Brazil's vice president said it would not permit its territory to be used to invade Venezuela,<ref>{{cite news |url= https://www.reuters.com/article/us-venezuela-politics-brazil/brazil-will-not-allow-u-s-use-its-territory-to-invade-venezuela-vice-president-idUSKCN1QE2DS |date= 25 February 2019 |access-date= 26 February 2019 |title= Brazil will not allow U.S. use its territory to invade Venezuela: vice president |work= Reuters}}</ref> and the European Union cautioned against the use of military force.<ref name="EUWarns">{{cite news |url= https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/2019/02/25/eu-warns-against-military-action-venezuela-mike-pence-juan-guaido/ |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/archive/20220112/https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/2019/02/25/eu-warns-against-military-action-venezuela-mike-pence-juan-guaido/ |archive-date=12 January 2022 |url-access=subscription |url-status=live |author= Alexander, Harriett |date= 26 February 2019 |access-date= 26 February 2019 |work= The Telegraph |title= EU warns against military action in Venezuela as Mike Pence and Juan Guaido meet at emergency summit}}{{cbignore}}</ref><ref name=VOAThreat>{{cite news |url= https://www.voanews.com/a/lima-group-says-serious-credible-threats-juan-guaido-life/4804009.html |title= Lima Group: There Are 'Serious and Credible' Threats on Guaido's Life |work= VOA news |date= 26 February 2019 |access-date= 26 February 2019 }}</ref> The Lima Group rejected the use of force as well.<ref name="PenceTells" /> The US ] warned pilots not to fly below 26,000 feet over Venezuela,<ref name="FAA">{{cite news |url= https://abcnews.go.com/Business/wireStory/faa-tells-pilots-caution-flying-venezuela-61302473 |title= FAA tells pilots to use caution when flying over Venezuela |work= ABC News |date= 25 February 2019 |access-date= 26 February 2019 |publisher= Associated Press |author = Koenig, David }}</ref> and ] officials said they had flown ] flights off the coast of Venezuela to gather classified intelligence about Maduro.<ref name="CNNDevelop">{{cite news | url= https://www.cnn.com/2019/02/25/americas/venezuela-developments/index.html |work= CNN |title= US flying more reconnaissance flights off Venezuela, military sources say |date= 26 February 2019 |access-date= 26 February 2019 |author= Starr, Barbara and Ralph Ellis}}</ref> | ||
From Bogotá, Guaidó embarked on a regional tour to meet with the presidents of Brazil, Paraguay, Argentina, and Ecuador,<ref name="FacingJail">{{cite news|url=https://finance.yahoo.com/news/facing-jail-caracas-guaido-travels-183624466.html|title=Facing jail in Caracas, Guaido travels across South America|author=Rosati, Andrew and Ken Parks|date=1 March 2019|work=Yahoo news|access-date=1 March 2019|publisher=Bloomberg|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190302001909/https://finance.yahoo.com/news/facing-jail-caracas-guaido-travels-183624466.html|archive-date=2 March 2019|url-status=dead}}</ref> to discuss ways to rebuild Venezuela and defeat Maduro.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.cnbc.com/2019/03/01/venezuela-crisis-guaido-vows-to-return-despite-life-threatening-risks.html|title=Venezuela's Guaido vows to return to Caracas despite 'life-threatening' risks|author=Meredith, Sam|date=1 March 2019|work=CNBC|access-date=1 March 2019}}</ref> Guaidó's trip was approved by Venezuela's ], as required by the Constitution of Venezuela,<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.el-nacional.com/noticias/politica/juan-guaido-visitara-paraguay-este-viernes_272853|title=Juan Guaidó visitará Paraguay este viernes|date=28 February 2019|work=El Nacional|access-date=2 March 2019|language=es}}</ref> but he faced the possibility of being imprisoned when returning to Venezuela because of the travel restriction placed upon him by the Maduro administration.<ref name="FacingJail" /><ref>{{Cite news|url=https://abcnews.go.com/International/venezuelan-president-nicolas-maduros-defiant-interview-tom-llamas/story?id=61318540|title=Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro's defiant interview with Tom Llamas: TRANSCRIPT|author=Llamas, Tom|date=28 February 2019|work=]|access-date=1 March 2019}}<br />* {{Cite news|url=https://news.yahoo.com/venezuelas-guaido-meet-brazils-president-anti-maduro-push-142229605--finance.html|title=Venezuela's Guaido vows to return to Caracas despite threat of prison|author=Boadle, Anthony|date=1 March 2019|agency=]|access-date=1 March 2019}}</ref> He re-entered Venezuela on 4 March, via ] in ], and was received at the airport by diplomats{{efn|Diplomats from Argentina, Brazil, Canada, Chile, Ecuador, France, Germany, the Netherlands, Portugal, Romania, Spain and the United States received Guaidó at the airport.<ref name= WP/>}} and in Caracas by a crowd of supporters.<ref name= WP/><ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.reuters.com/article/us-venezuela-politics-idUSKCN1QL0A6|title=In jab at Maduro, Guaido makes triumphant return to Venezuela|date=4 March 2019|work=Reuters|access-date=4 March 2019|language=en}}</ref> German ambassador Daniel Kriener was accused of interference in internal affairs and expelled from Venezuela because of his role in helping Guaidó re-enter.<ref name= WP>{{Cite news|url= https://www.bbc.com/news/world-latin-america-47474317|title=Venezuela to expel German ambassador for 'meddling'|date=7 March 2019|work=]|access-date=8 March 2019}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news|url=http://www.hurriyetdailynews.com/venezuela-expels-german-ambassador-for-meddling-141712|title=Venezuela expels German ambassador for 'meddling'|date=7 March 2019|work=Hurriyet Daily News|access-date=8 March 2019}}<br />* {{Cite news|url=https://www.channelnewsasia.com/news/world/venezuela-s-guaido-urges-more-sanctions-after-german-envoy-s-expulsion-11322022|title=Venezuela's Guaido urges more sanctions after German envoy's expulsion|date=7 March 2019|work=]|access-date=8 March 2019}}</ref> | From Bogotá, Guaidó embarked on a regional tour to meet with the presidents of Brazil, Paraguay, Argentina, and Ecuador,<ref name="FacingJail">{{cite news|url=https://finance.yahoo.com/news/facing-jail-caracas-guaido-travels-183624466.html|title=Facing jail in Caracas, Guaido travels across South America|author=Rosati, Andrew and Ken Parks|date=1 March 2019|work=Yahoo news|access-date=1 March 2019|publisher=Bloomberg|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190302001909/https://finance.yahoo.com/news/facing-jail-caracas-guaido-travels-183624466.html|archive-date=2 March 2019|url-status=dead}}</ref> to discuss ways to rebuild Venezuela and defeat Maduro.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.cnbc.com/2019/03/01/venezuela-crisis-guaido-vows-to-return-despite-life-threatening-risks.html|title=Venezuela's Guaido vows to return to Caracas despite 'life-threatening' risks|author=Meredith, Sam|date=1 March 2019|work=CNBC|access-date=1 March 2019}}</ref> Guaidó's trip was approved by Venezuela's ], as required by the Constitution of Venezuela,<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.el-nacional.com/noticias/politica/juan-guaido-visitara-paraguay-este-viernes_272853|title=Juan Guaidó visitará Paraguay este viernes|date=28 February 2019|work=El Nacional|access-date=2 March 2019|language=es}}</ref> but he faced the possibility of being imprisoned when returning to Venezuela because of the travel restriction placed upon him by the Maduro administration.<ref name="FacingJail" /><ref>{{Cite news|url=https://abcnews.go.com/International/venezuelan-president-nicolas-maduros-defiant-interview-tom-llamas/story?id=61318540|title=Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro's defiant interview with Tom Llamas: TRANSCRIPT|author=Llamas, Tom|date=28 February 2019|work=]|access-date=1 March 2019}}<br />* {{Cite news|url=https://news.yahoo.com/venezuelas-guaido-meet-brazils-president-anti-maduro-push-142229605--finance.html|title=Venezuela's Guaido vows to return to Caracas despite threat of prison|author=Boadle, Anthony|date=1 March 2019|agency=]|access-date=1 March 2019}}</ref> He re-entered Venezuela on 4 March, via ] in ], and was received at the airport by diplomats{{efn|Diplomats from Argentina, Brazil, Canada, Chile, Ecuador, France, Germany, the Netherlands, Portugal, Romania, Spain and the United States received Guaidó at the airport.<ref name= WP/>}} and in Caracas by a crowd of supporters.<ref name= WP/><ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.reuters.com/article/us-venezuela-politics-idUSKCN1QL0A6|title=In jab at Maduro, Guaido makes triumphant return to Venezuela|date=4 March 2019|work=Reuters|access-date=4 March 2019|language=en}}</ref> German ambassador Daniel Kriener was accused of interference in internal affairs and expelled from Venezuela because of his role in helping Guaidó re-enter.<ref name= WP>{{Cite news|url= https://www.bbc.com/news/world-latin-america-47474317|title=Venezuela to expel German ambassador for 'meddling'|date=7 March 2019|work=]|access-date=8 March 2019}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news|url=http://www.hurriyetdailynews.com/venezuela-expels-german-ambassador-for-meddling-141712|title=Venezuela expels German ambassador for 'meddling'|date=7 March 2019|work=Hurriyet Daily News|access-date=8 March 2019}}<br />* {{Cite news|url=https://www.channelnewsasia.com/news/world/venezuela-s-guaido-urges-more-sanctions-after-german-envoy-s-expulsion-11322022|title=Venezuela's Guaido urges more sanctions after German envoy's expulsion|date=7 March 2019|work=]|access-date=8 March 2019|archive-date=7 March 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190307203436/https://www.channelnewsasia.com/news/world/venezuela-s-guaido-urges-more-sanctions-after-german-envoy-s-expulsion-11322022|url-status=dead}}</ref> | ||
=== Blackouts === | === Blackouts === | ||
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In March 2019, ], and lost 150,000 barrels per day in crude oil production during the blackout.<ref name=FourYearLow>{{cite news |url= https://www.reuters.com/article/us-oil-opec-survey/opec-oil-output-hits-four-year-low-on-saudi-cuts-venezuela-blackouts-idUSKCN1RD26N |work= Reuters |author= Lawler, Alex |date= 1 April 2019 |access-date= 7 April 2019 |title= OPEC oil output hits four-year low on Saudi cuts, Venezuela blackouts}}</ref><ref name=France24Savage>{{cite news |url= https://www.france24.com/en/20190328-blackouts-savage-venezuelas-already-tattered-economy |work= France 24 |date= 28 March 2019 |access-date= 7 April 2019 |title= Blackouts savage Venezuela's already tattered economy}}</ref> Full recovery of oil production was expected to take months,<ref name=CutOil>{{cite news |url= https://www.chron.com/business/energy/article/Venezuela-Blackouts-Cut-Oil-Output-by-Half-13743951.php |work= Houston Chronicle |date= 5 April 2019 |access-date= 7 April 2019 |title= Venezuela blackouts cut oil output by half in March |author= Zerpa, Fabiola |publisher= Bloomberg}}</ref> but by April, Venezuela's exports were steady at a million barrels daily, "partially due to inventory drains".<ref name= AprilSteady>{{cite news |title= Venezuelan PDVSA's oil exports steady in April, flow to Cuba continues |author= Parraga, Marianna |work= Reuters |date= 2 May 2019 |access-date= 3 May 2019 |url= https://www.reuters.com/article/venezuela-oil-exports/venezuelan-pdvsas-oil-exports-steady-in-april-flow-to-cuba-continues-data-idUSL1N22E1DX}}</ref> | In March 2019, ], and lost 150,000 barrels per day in crude oil production during the blackout.<ref name=FourYearLow>{{cite news |url= https://www.reuters.com/article/us-oil-opec-survey/opec-oil-output-hits-four-year-low-on-saudi-cuts-venezuela-blackouts-idUSKCN1RD26N |work= Reuters |author= Lawler, Alex |date= 1 April 2019 |access-date= 7 April 2019 |title= OPEC oil output hits four-year low on Saudi cuts, Venezuela blackouts}}</ref><ref name=France24Savage>{{cite news |url= https://www.france24.com/en/20190328-blackouts-savage-venezuelas-already-tattered-economy |work= France 24 |date= 28 March 2019 |access-date= 7 April 2019 |title= Blackouts savage Venezuela's already tattered economy}}</ref> Full recovery of oil production was expected to take months,<ref name=CutOil>{{cite news |url= https://www.chron.com/business/energy/article/Venezuela-Blackouts-Cut-Oil-Output-by-Half-13743951.php |work= Houston Chronicle |date= 5 April 2019 |access-date= 7 April 2019 |title= Venezuela blackouts cut oil output by half in March |author= Zerpa, Fabiola |publisher= Bloomberg}}</ref> but by April, Venezuela's exports were steady at a million barrels daily, "partially due to inventory drains".<ref name= AprilSteady>{{cite news |title= Venezuelan PDVSA's oil exports steady in April, flow to Cuba continues |author= Parraga, Marianna |work= Reuters |date= 2 May 2019 |access-date= 3 May 2019 |url= https://www.reuters.com/article/venezuela-oil-exports/venezuelan-pdvsas-oil-exports-steady-in-april-flow-to-cuba-continues-data-idUSL1N22E1DX}}</ref> | ||
Experts and state-run ] (Corporación Eléctrica Nacional) sources |
Experts and state-run ] (Corporación Eléctrica Nacional) sources attributed the electricity shortages to lack of maintenance, underinvestment, corruption and to a lack of technical expertise in the country resulting from a ];<ref name="Expediente2">{{cite news |author=Angulo |first1=Nataly |last2=Batiz |first2=César |author-link2=César Batiz |date=10 March 2019 |title=¿Por qué ocurrió el apagón nacional que provocó el caos en Venezuela? Los expertos explican |language=es |trans-title=Why did the national blackout that caused the chaos in Venezuela happen? The experts explain |work=Univision |url=https://www.univision.com/noticias/america-latina/por-que-ocurrio-el-apagon-nacional-que-provoco-el-caos-en-venezuela-los-expertos-explican |access-date=17 March 2019 |quote=Especialistas venezolanos en el tema eléctrico explican que el corte masivo de electricidad se debió a la falta de mantenimiento, desprofesionalización constante del sector en los últimos años del chavismo, falta de inversión y la gran vulnerabilidad que representa depender de un solo embalse: el de Guri, ubicado en el sur del país, en el estado Bolívar.}} | ||
and |
and | ||
* {{cite news |date=9 March 2019 |title=Desmontan versión de ataque cibernético: 'Es como hackear una nevera' |language=es |trans-title=Dismantling cyberattack version: 'It's like hacking a fridge' |work=El Nacional |url=http://www.el-nacional.com/noticias/sociedad/desmontan-version-ataque-cibernetico-como-hackear-una-nevera_274054 |access-date=17 March 2019 |quote=Expertos aseguran que el sistema de El Guri se creó antes de que existiera Internet, por lo que no depende de dicho tipo de conexiones para funcionar.}} |
* {{cite news |date=9 March 2019 |title=Desmontan versión de ataque cibernético: 'Es como hackear una nevera' |language=es |trans-title=Dismantling cyberattack version: 'It's like hacking a fridge' |work=El Nacional |url=http://www.el-nacional.com/noticias/sociedad/desmontan-version-ataque-cibernetico-como-hackear-una-nevera_274054 |access-date=17 March 2019 |quote=Expertos aseguran que el sistema de El Guri se creó antes de que existiera Internet, por lo que no depende de dicho tipo de conexiones para funcionar.}} | ||
* {{Cite web |author=Brassesco, Javier and Fernando Nunez-Noda |title=Expediente: Las causas del apagón en Venezuela |trans-title=File: The causes of the blackout in Venezuela |url=https://verifikado.com/expediente-las-causas-del-apagon-en-venezuela/ |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190330212845/https://verifikado.com/expediente-las-causas-del-apagon-en-venezuela/ |archive-date=30 March 2019 |access-date=14 March 2019 |website=Verifikado |language=es |quote=Univision recogió opiniones de expertos ...}}</ref><ref name="Falla">{{Cite web|url=https://es.scribd.com/document/401835067/Origen-de-La-Falla-v2|title=Origen de la falla eléctrica en Venezuela|last=Molina Guzmán|first=Julio|date=12 March 2019|website=]|language=en|access-date=14 March 2019}}</ref><ref name="NoEnd2">{{cite news|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2019/03/11/world/americas/venzuela-blackout-maduro.html|title=No end in sight to Venezuela's blackout, experts warn|date=11 March 2019|work=The New York Times|access-date=18 March 2019|quote=Energy experts, Venezuelan power sector contractors and current and former Corpoelec employees have dismissed accusations of sabotage, saying the blackout was the result of years of underinvestment, corruption and brain drain. (...) Restarting the turbines requires skilled operators who can synchronize the speed of rotation on as many as nine of Guri's operational turbines. Experts said the most experienced operators had long left the company because of meager wages and an atmosphere of paranoia fed by Mr. Maduro's ever-present secret police.}}</ref> ]'s administration attributes them to sabotage.<ref name="FreshPower">{{cite news|url=https://www.bbc.com/news/world-latin-america-47703864|title=Venezuela crisis: Fresh power cuts black out Caracas|date=26 March 2019|work=BBC|access-date=26 March 2019}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.msn.com/en-au/kids/other/thousands-join-rival-protests-on-streets-of-venezuela-as-power-cuts-continue/ar-BBUzLJ5|title=Thousands join rival protests on streets of Venezuela as power cuts continue|date=10 March 2019|work=MSN|access-date=15 March 2019}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.presidencia.gob.ve/Site/Web/Principal/paginas/classMostrarEvento3.php?id_evento=12996|title=Conformarán una comisión presidencial para investigar el ciberataque y mostrar la verdad|date=12 March 2019|work=Prensa MPP|language=es|access-date=15 March 2019}}</ref> Guaidó said that Venezuela's largest-ever ] was "the product of the inefficiency, the incapability, the corruption of a regime that doesn't care about the lives of Venezuelans",<ref name="GuaidoInvestigated">{{cite news|author=Phillips, Tom|url=https://www.theguardian.com/world/2019/mar/12/venezuela-juan-guaido-maduro-sabotage-blackout|title=Guaidó under investigation for sabotage of power grid|date=12 March 2019|work=The Guardian|access-date=13 March 2019}}</ref> Maduro's Attorney General, Tarek William Saab, called for an investigation of Guaidó, alleging that he had "sabotaged" the ].<ref name= GuaidoInvestigated/> | |||
* {{Cite web |author=Brassesco, Javier and Fernando Nunez-Noda |title=Expediente: Las causas del apagón en Venezuela |trans-title=File: The causes of the blackout in Venezuela |url=https://verifikado.com/expediente-las-causas-del-apagon-en-venezuela/ |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190330212845/https://verifikado.com/expediente-las-causas-del-apagon-en-venezuela/ |archive-date=30 March 2019 |access-date=14 March 2019 |website=Verifikado |language=es |quote=Univision recogió opiniones de expertos ...}}</ref><ref name="Falla">{{Cite web|url=https://es.scribd.com/document/401835067/Origen-de-La-Falla-v2|title=Origen de la falla eléctrica en Venezuela|last=Molina Guzmán|first=Julio|date=12 March 2019|website=]|language=en|access-date=14 March 2019}}</ref><ref name="NoEnd2">{{cite news|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2019/03/11/world/americas/venzuela-blackout-maduro.html|title=No end in sight to Venezuela's blackout, experts warn|date=11 March 2019|work=New York Times|access-date=18 March 2019|quote=Energy experts, Venezuelan power sector contractors and current and former Corpoelec employees have dismissed accusations of sabotage, saying the blackout was the result of years of underinvestment, corruption and brain drain. (...) Restarting the turbines requires skilled operators who can synchronize the speed of rotation on as many as nine of Guri’s operational turbines. Experts said the most experienced operators had long left the company because of meager wages and an atmosphere of paranoia fed by Mr. Maduro’s ever-present secret police.}}</ref> ]'s administration attributes them to sabotage.<ref name="FreshPower">{{cite news|url=https://www.bbc.com/news/world-latin-america-47703864|title=Venezuela crisis: Fresh power cuts black out Caracas|date=26 March 2019|work=BBC|access-date=26 March 2019}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.msn.com/en-au/kids/other/thousands-join-rival-protests-on-streets-of-venezuela-as-power-cuts-continue/ar-BBUzLJ5|title=Thousands join rival protests on streets of Venezuela as power cuts continue|date=10 March 2019|work=MSN|access-date=15 March 2019}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.presidencia.gob.ve/Site/Web/Principal/paginas/classMostrarEvento3.php?id_evento=12996|title=Conformarán una comisión presidencial para investigar el ciberataque y mostrar la verdad|date=12 March 2019|work=Prensa MPP|language=es|access-date=15 March 2019}}</ref> Guaidó said that Venezuela's largest-ever ] was "the product of the inefficiency, the incapability, the corruption of a regime that doesn't care about the lives of Venezuelans",<ref name="GuaidoInvestigated">{{cite news|author=Phillips, Tom|url=https://www.theguardian.com/world/2019/mar/12/venezuela-juan-guaido-maduro-sabotage-blackout|title=Guaidó under investigation for sabotage of power grid|date=12 March 2019|work=The Guardian|access-date=13 March 2019}}</ref> Maduro's Attorney General, Tarek William Saab, called for an investigation of Guaidó, alleging that he had "sabotaged" the ].<ref name= GuaidoInvestigated/> | |||
While Maduro visited hydroelectric facilities in ] on 16 March, promising to restructure the state-run power company ], his Vice President ] announced that Maduro would restructure his administration, asking the "entire executive Cabinet to put their roles up for review".<ref>{{cite news |url= https://www.reuters.com/article/us-venezuela-politics/venezuelas-maduro-plans-deep-restructuring-of-government-vp-idUSKCN1QY0XC | work= Reuters |date= 17 March 2019 |title= Venezuela's Maduro plans 'deep restructuring' of government: VP |access-date= 18 March 2019}}</ref> Guaidó announced he would embark on a tour of the country beginning 16 March, to organize committees for Operation Freedom with the goal to claim the presidential residence, ].<ref name="Creacion">{{cite news |url= http://efectococuyo.com/politica/guaido-anuncio-la-creacion-de-comites-por-la-libertad-para-pronto-ir-a-miraflores/ |work= Efecto Cocuyo |date= 16 March 2019 |access-date= 18 March 2019 |language= es |title= Guaidó anuncia la creación de comités por la libertad para pronto 'ir a Miraflores' |trans-title= Guaidó announces the creation of freedom committees to soon 'go to Miraflores' |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20190421013023/http://efectococuyo.com/politica/guaido-anuncio-la-creacion-de-comites-por-la-libertad-para-pronto-ir-a-miraflores/ |archive-date= 21 April 2019 |url-status= dead }}</ref> From the first rally in ] state, he said, "We will be in each state of Venezuela and for each state we have visited the responsibility will be yours, the leaders, the united, organize ourselves in freedom commands."<ref name="Creacion" /> | While Maduro visited hydroelectric facilities in ] on 16 March, promising to restructure the state-run power company ], his Vice President ] announced that Maduro would restructure his administration, asking the "entire executive Cabinet to put their roles up for review".<ref>{{cite news |url= https://www.reuters.com/article/us-venezuela-politics/venezuelas-maduro-plans-deep-restructuring-of-government-vp-idUSKCN1QY0XC | work= Reuters |date= 17 March 2019 |title= Venezuela's Maduro plans 'deep restructuring' of government: VP |access-date= 18 March 2019}}</ref> Guaidó announced he would embark on a tour of the country beginning 16 March, to organize committees for Operation Freedom with the goal to claim the presidential residence, ].<ref name="Creacion">{{cite news |url= http://efectococuyo.com/politica/guaido-anuncio-la-creacion-de-comites-por-la-libertad-para-pronto-ir-a-miraflores/ |work= Efecto Cocuyo |date= 16 March 2019 |access-date= 18 March 2019 |language= es |title= Guaidó anuncia la creación de comités por la libertad para pronto 'ir a Miraflores' |trans-title= Guaidó announces the creation of freedom committees to soon 'go to Miraflores' |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20190421013023/http://efectococuyo.com/politica/guaido-anuncio-la-creacion-de-comites-por-la-libertad-para-pronto-ir-a-miraflores/ |archive-date= 21 April 2019 |url-status= dead }}</ref> From the first rally in ] state, he said, "We will be in each state of Venezuela and for each state we have visited the responsibility will be yours, the leaders, the united, organize ourselves in freedom commands."<ref name="Creacion" /> | ||
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=== Red Cross aid effort === | === Red Cross aid effort === | ||
{{further|2019 shipping of humanitarian aid to Venezuela#RedCrossVenAid}} | {{further|2019 shipping of humanitarian aid to Venezuela#RedCrossVenAid}} | ||
], Juan Guaidó's wife ], U.S. Special Representative for Venezuela ], and Venezuelan Ambassador to the U.S. ], and diplomat in Washington, D.C. on 27 March 2019]] | ], Juan Guaidó's wife ], U.S. Special Representative for Venezuela ], and Venezuelan Ambassador to the U.S. ], and diplomat in Washington, D.C., on 27 March 2019]] | ||
In March, Francesco Rocca, president of the ], announced that the ] was preparing to bring humanitarian aid to the country in April to help ease both the chronic hunger and the medical crisis.<ref name=RedCrossReady>{{cite news |url= https://www.reuters.com/article/us-venezuela-politics/international-red-cross-ready-for-venezuela-humanitarian-aid-operation-idUSKCN1RA1XP |work= Reuters |date= 29 March 2019 |access-date= 30 March 2019 |title= International Red Cross ready for Venezuela humanitarian aid operation |author= Pons, Corina and Brian Ellsworth}}</ref> '']'' said that the acceptance of humanitarian shipments by Maduro was his first acknowledgement that Venezuela is "suffering from an economic collapse."<ref name=AidEffort>{{cite news |title= Red Cross announces Venezuelan aid effort |work= Wall Street Journal |publisher= Dow Jones Institutional News |author= Dube, Ryan |date= 29 March 2019 |via= ProQuest}} Also available </ref><ref name=WarnsAgainst>{{cite news |title= Red Cross ready to aid Venezuela, warns against politics |author= Torchia, Christopher |newspaper= Washington Post |publisher = Associated Press |date= 29 March 2019 |via= ProQuest}} Also available </ref> After a 9 April meeting with the ] (ICRC),<ref>{{cite news |url= https://www.ntn24.com/america-latina/venezuela/maduro-sostuvo-encuentro-con-representantes-de-la-cruz-roja-105757 |publisher= NTN24 |language= es |date= 9 April 2019 |access-date= 10 April 2019 |title= Maduro sostuvo encuentro con representantes de la Cruz Roja}}</ref> Maduro indicated for the first time that he was prepared to accept international aid.<ref>{{cite news |url= https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2019/04/maduro-venezuela-ready-receive-international-aid-190410083550252.html |publisher= Al Jazeera |date= 10 April 2019 |access-date= 10 April 2019 |title= Maduro says Venezuela ready to receive international aid}}</ref> Guaidó called on Venezuelans to "stay vigilant to make sure incoming aid is not diverted for 'corrupt' purposes".<ref name=WarnsAgainst/> | In March, Francesco Rocca, president of the ], announced that the ] was preparing to bring humanitarian aid to the country in April to help ease both the chronic hunger and the medical crisis.<ref name=RedCrossReady>{{cite news |url= https://www.reuters.com/article/us-venezuela-politics/international-red-cross-ready-for-venezuela-humanitarian-aid-operation-idUSKCN1RA1XP |work= Reuters |date= 29 March 2019 |access-date= 30 March 2019 |title= International Red Cross ready for Venezuela humanitarian aid operation |author= Pons, Corina and Brian Ellsworth}}</ref> '']'' said that the acceptance of humanitarian shipments by Maduro was his first acknowledgement that Venezuela is "suffering from an economic collapse."<ref name=AidEffort>{{cite news |title= Red Cross announces Venezuelan aid effort |work= Wall Street Journal |publisher= Dow Jones Institutional News |author= Dube, Ryan |date= 29 March 2019 |via= ProQuest}} Also available </ref><ref name=WarnsAgainst>{{cite news |title= Red Cross ready to aid Venezuela, warns against politics |author= Torchia, Christopher |newspaper= Washington Post |publisher = Associated Press |date= 29 March 2019 |via= ProQuest}} Also available </ref> After a 9 April meeting with the ] (ICRC),<ref>{{cite news |url= https://www.ntn24.com/america-latina/venezuela/maduro-sostuvo-encuentro-con-representantes-de-la-cruz-roja-105757 |publisher= NTN24 |language= es |date= 9 April 2019 |access-date= 10 April 2019 |title= Maduro sostuvo encuentro con representantes de la Cruz Roja}}</ref> Maduro indicated for the first time that he was prepared to accept international aid.<ref>{{cite news |url= https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2019/04/maduro-venezuela-ready-receive-international-aid-190410083550252.html |publisher= Al Jazeera |date= 10 April 2019 |access-date= 10 April 2019 |title= Maduro says Venezuela ready to receive international aid}}</ref> Guaidó called on Venezuelans to "stay vigilant to make sure incoming aid is not diverted for 'corrupt' purposes".<ref name=WarnsAgainst/> | ||
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=== Revocation of Guaidó's parliamentary immunity === | === Revocation of Guaidó's parliamentary immunity === | ||
Chief justice ] asked that the ] (ANC), controlled by Maduro loyalists, remove Guaidó's parliamentary immunity as president of the National Assembly,<ref name=RevocarImunidad>{{cite news |url= https://www.bbc.com/mundo/noticias-america-latina-47781533|publisher=BBC Mundo|language= es |date= 1 April 2019 |access-date= 1 April 2019 |title= Juan Guaidó: el Tribunal Supremo de Venezuela solicita revocar la inmunidad parlamentaria del líder opositor a la Asamblea controlada por el chavismo |trans-title= Juan Guaidó: the Supreme Court of Venezuela requests that the Assembly controlled by Chavismo revoke the parliamentary immunity of the opposition leader}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|author=Richard Gonzales|url=https://www.npr.org/2019/04/02/709306132/maduro-allies-move-against-rival-juan-guaid-in-venezuela|publisher=NPR|date=April 2, 2019|title=Maduro Allies Move Against Rival Juan Guaidó In Venezuela}}</ref> moving the Maduro administration a step closer towards prosecuting Guaidó.<ref name= StripImmunity>{{cite news |url= https://www.foxnews.com/world/the-latest-venezuela-judge-seeks-to-strip-guaidos-immunity | work= |
Chief justice ] asked that the ] (ANC), controlled by Maduro loyalists, remove Guaidó's parliamentary immunity as president of the National Assembly,<ref name=RevocarImunidad>{{cite news |url= https://www.bbc.com/mundo/noticias-america-latina-47781533|publisher=BBC Mundo|language= es |date= 1 April 2019 |access-date= 1 April 2019 |title= Juan Guaidó: el Tribunal Supremo de Venezuela solicita revocar la inmunidad parlamentaria del líder opositor a la Asamblea controlada por el chavismo |trans-title= Juan Guaidó: the Supreme Court of Venezuela requests that the Assembly controlled by Chavismo revoke the parliamentary immunity of the opposition leader}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|author=Richard Gonzales|url=https://www.npr.org/2019/04/02/709306132/maduro-allies-move-against-rival-juan-guaid-in-venezuela|publisher=NPR|date=April 2, 2019|title=Maduro Allies Move Against Rival Juan Guaidó In Venezuela}}</ref> moving the Maduro administration a step closer towards prosecuting Guaidó.<ref name= StripImmunity>{{cite news |url= https://www.foxnews.com/world/the-latest-venezuela-judge-seeks-to-strip-guaidos-immunity | work= Fox News |date= 1 April 2019 |access-date= 1 April 2019 |title= The Latest: Venezuela judge seeks to strip Guaido's immunity |publisher= Associated Press}}</ref> Guaidó supporters disagree that the Maduro-backed institutions have the authority to ban Guaidó from leaving the country and consider acts of the ANC "null and void".<ref name= RevocarImunidad/> The Venezuelan Constitution provides that only the National Assembly can bring the president to trial by approving the legal proceeding in a "merit hearing".<ref name=RevocarImunidad/> On 2 April, after the ANC voted to remove his parliamentary immunity, Guaidó promised to continue fighting "Maduro's 'cowardly, miserable and murderous' regime."<ref>{{cite news |url= https://www.theguardian.com/world/2019/apr/03/venezuela-juan-guaido-stripped-of-parliamentary-immunity |work= The Guardian |date= 2 April 2019 |access-date= 4 April 2019 |title= Venezuela: Juan Guaidó stripped of parliamentary immunity |author= Phillips, Tom and Patricia Torres}}</ref> | ||
=== Military uprising attempt === | === Military uprising attempt === | ||
{{Main|2019 Venezuelan uprising attempt}} | {{Main|2019 Venezuelan uprising attempt}} | ||
] speaks to supporters on 30 April 2019]] | ] speaks to supporters on 30 April 2019]] | ||
On 19 April, Guaidó called for a "definite end of the usurpation" and the "largest march in history" on 1 May.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://talcualdigital.com/index.php/2019/04/19/guaido-convoca-a-la-marcha-mas-grande-de-la-historia-para-el-1-de-mayo/|title=Guaidó convoca a 'la marcha más grande de la historia' para el 1° de mayo|author=Quintero, Luisa|date=19 April 2019|publisher=Tal Cual Digital|language=es|trans-title=Guaidó calls for 'the largest march in history' for 1 May|access-date=14 May 2019}}</ref> Coinciding with his speech, ] stated that state-run ] again blocked access to social media in Venezuela.<ref name="NetBlocks19Apr2019">{{cite web|url=https://netblocks.org/reports/social-media-restricted-in-venezuela-as-guaido-speaks-from-caracas-0pA2X5yb|title=Social media restricted in Venezuela as Guaido speaks from Caracas|date=19 April 2019|publisher=]|access-date=19 April 2019}}</ref> On 30 April 2019, ], who was held under house arrest by the Maduro administration, was freed on orders from Guaidó.<ref>{{cite web |author= Smith, Scott and Christopher Torchia |title= Clashes rock Venezuela as Guaido urges opposition uprising |url=https://apnews.com/0153cace08c84c8fbf34f9c6a7bdd4dd |publisher=] |date= 30 April 2019 |access-date=30 April 2019}}</ref> The two men, flanked by members of the Venezuelan armed forces near ] in Caracas, announced an uprising,<ref name="PatillaHabla">{{Cite web|url=http://www.lapatilla.com/2019/04/30/guaido-le-habla-a-venezuela-desde-la-base-aerea-la-carlota-video/|title=Guaidó le habla a Venezuela desde la Base Aérea La Carlota (VIDEO)|website=]|language=es |date= 30 April 2019 |access-date= 30 April 2019}}</ref> stating that this was the final phase of "Operation Freedom".<ref name="FinalPhase">{{cite news |author= Sequera, Vivian and Angus Berwick |title=Venezuela's Guaido calls on troops to join him in uprising against Maduro |url=https://www.reuters.com/article/us-venezuela-politics/venezuelas-guaido-says-troops-join-him-for-coup-government-says-it-is-firmly-in-control-idUSKCN1S60ZQ |work=] |date= 30 April 2019|access-date=30 April 2019}}</ref> | On 19 April, Guaidó called for a "definite end of the usurpation" and the "largest march in history" on 1 May.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://talcualdigital.com/index.php/2019/04/19/guaido-convoca-a-la-marcha-mas-grande-de-la-historia-para-el-1-de-mayo/|title=Guaidó convoca a 'la marcha más grande de la historia' para el 1° de mayo|author=Quintero, Luisa|date=19 April 2019|publisher=Tal Cual Digital|language=es|trans-title=Guaidó calls for 'the largest march in history' for 1 May|access-date=14 May 2019}}</ref> Coinciding with his speech, ] stated that state-run ] again blocked access to social media in Venezuela.<ref name="NetBlocks19Apr2019">{{cite web|url=https://netblocks.org/reports/social-media-restricted-in-venezuela-as-guaido-speaks-from-caracas-0pA2X5yb|title=Social media restricted in Venezuela as Guaido speaks from Caracas|date=19 April 2019|publisher=]|access-date=19 April 2019}}</ref> On 30 April 2019, ], who was held under house arrest by the Maduro administration, was freed on orders from Guaidó.<ref>{{cite web |author= Smith, Scott and Christopher Torchia |title= Clashes rock Venezuela as Guaido urges opposition uprising |url=https://apnews.com/0153cace08c84c8fbf34f9c6a7bdd4dd |publisher=] |date= 30 April 2019 |access-date=30 April 2019}}</ref> The two men, flanked by members of the Venezuelan armed forces near ] in Caracas, announced an uprising,<ref name="PatillaHabla">{{Cite web|url=http://www.lapatilla.com/2019/04/30/guaido-le-habla-a-venezuela-desde-la-base-aerea-la-carlota-video/|title=Guaidó le habla a Venezuela desde la Base Aérea La Carlota (VIDEO)|website=]|language=es |date= 30 April 2019 |access-date= 30 April 2019}}</ref> stating that this was the final phase of "Operation Freedom".<ref name="FinalPhase">{{cite news |author= Sequera, Vivian and Angus Berwick |title=Venezuela's Guaido calls on troops to join him in uprising against Maduro |url=https://www.reuters.com/article/us-venezuela-politics/venezuelas-guaido-says-troops-join-him-for-coup-government-says-it-is-firmly-in-control-idUSKCN1S60ZQ |work=] |date= 30 April 2019|access-date=30 April 2019}}</ref> Though Guaidó said his forces held La Carlota, when supporters approached the base, Guaidó and a few dozen supporters stayed in a nearby overpass outside.{{sfn|Neuman|2022|pp=230–234 |loc= Chapter 25: "Bubble"}} | ||
Maduro was not seen during the day,<ref name="RussiaStops">{{cite news|author=Hansler, Jennifer|url=https://www.cnn.com/2019/04/30/politics/pompeo-maduro-russia/index.html|title=Pompeo claims Russia stopped Maduro leaving Venezuela for Cuba|date=30 April 2019|access-date=30 April 2019|publisher=CNN}}</ref> but he appeared with his Defense Minister Padrino on that evening's televised broadcast,<ref>{{cite news |url= https://www.reuters.com/article/us-venezuela-politics-maduro-sebin/venezuelas-maduro-appears-with-defense-minister-after-uprising-idUSKCN1S7315 |work= Reuters |date= 30 April 2019 |access-date= 1 May 2019 |title= Venezuela's Maduro appears with defense minister after uprising}}</ref> and announced he would replace ], Director General of the ] (SEBIN), who had broken with Maduro during the uprising,<ref name="SecretBreaks" /> saying it was time to "rebuild the country"<ref name="SecretBreaks" /> and that "scoundrels were plundering the country."<ref name=":0">{{cite news|author=Phillips, Tom and Joe Parkin Daniels|url=https://www.theguardian.com/world/2019/may/01/venezuela-coup-protests-what-happens-next-guaido-maduro-latest|title=Guaidó's uprising seems to have flatlined. What's next for Venezuela?|date=1 May 2019|work=The Guardian|access-date=2 May 2019}}</ref> The United States said Maduro had prepared to leave Venezuela that morning, but Russia and Cuba helped convince him to stay.<ref name="RussiaStops" /><ref name="CubaProp">{{cite news|url=https://www.cnbc.com/video/2019/04/30/national-security-advisor-john-bolton-on-venezuela-protests.html|title=National Security Advisor John Bolton on Venezuela protests|date=30 April 2019|access-date=30 April 2019|publisher=CNBC}}</ref><ref name="CrisisLive">{{cite news|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2019/04/30/world/americas/venezuela-coup-guaido-military.html|title=Venezuela crisis live updates: Guaidó calls for uprising as clashes erupt|date=30 April 2019|work=New York Times|access-date=30 April 2019}}</ref> Both Russia and Maduro denied that he had plans to leave Venezuela.<ref name="CNNOperationFreedom">{{cite news|author=Picheta, Rob and Meg Wagner|url=https://www.cnn.com/americas/live-news/juan-guaido-venezuela-operation-freedom-live-updates/index.html|title=Venezuela's uprising|date=30 April 2019|access-date=30 April 2019|publisher=CNN}}</ref> | Maduro was not seen during the day,<ref name="RussiaStops">{{cite news|author=Hansler, Jennifer|url=https://www.cnn.com/2019/04/30/politics/pompeo-maduro-russia/index.html|title=Pompeo claims Russia stopped Maduro leaving Venezuela for Cuba|date=30 April 2019|access-date=30 April 2019|publisher=CNN}}</ref> but he appeared with his Defense Minister Padrino on that evening's televised broadcast,<ref>{{cite news |url= https://www.reuters.com/article/us-venezuela-politics-maduro-sebin/venezuelas-maduro-appears-with-defense-minister-after-uprising-idUSKCN1S7315 |work= Reuters |date= 30 April 2019 |access-date= 1 May 2019 |title= Venezuela's Maduro appears with defense minister after uprising}}</ref> and announced he would replace ], Director General of the ] (SEBIN), who had broken with Maduro during the uprising,<ref name="SecretBreaks" /> saying it was time to "rebuild the country"<ref name="SecretBreaks" /> and that "scoundrels were plundering the country."<ref name=":0">{{cite news|author=Phillips, Tom and Joe Parkin Daniels|url=https://www.theguardian.com/world/2019/may/01/venezuela-coup-protests-what-happens-next-guaido-maduro-latest|title=Guaidó's uprising seems to have flatlined. What's next for Venezuela?|date=1 May 2019|work=The Guardian|access-date=2 May 2019}}</ref> The United States said Maduro had prepared to leave Venezuela that morning, but Russia and Cuba helped convince him to stay.<ref name="RussiaStops" /><ref name="CubaProp">{{cite news|url=https://www.cnbc.com/video/2019/04/30/national-security-advisor-john-bolton-on-venezuela-protests.html|title=National Security Advisor John Bolton on Venezuela protests|date=30 April 2019|access-date=30 April 2019|publisher=CNBC}}</ref><ref name="CrisisLive">{{cite news|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2019/04/30/world/americas/venezuela-coup-guaido-military.html|title=Venezuela crisis live updates: Guaidó calls for uprising as clashes erupt|date=30 April 2019|work=The New York Times|access-date=30 April 2019}}</ref> Both Russia and Maduro denied that he had plans to leave Venezuela.<ref name="CNNOperationFreedom">{{cite news|author=Picheta, Rob and Meg Wagner|url=https://www.cnn.com/americas/live-news/juan-guaido-venezuela-operation-freedom-live-updates/index.html|title=Venezuela's uprising|date=30 April 2019|access-date=30 April 2019|publisher=CNN}}</ref> | ||
Guaidó's supporters were forced to retreat by security forces using tear gas. ] fired on protesters with live ammunition, and one protester was shot in the head and killed.<ref name="MaduroDenies" /><ref name="ProtestsGrip" /> ] said it believed that "security forces fired shotgun pellets at demonstrators and journalists."<ref name="WorseToCome" /> By the end of the day, one protester had died,<ref name="MaduroDenies">{{Cite news|url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/world/the_americas/venezuelan-opposition-leader-juan-guaido-appears-to-stage-military-backed-challenge-to-president-maduro/2019/04/30/c7028eee-6b35-11e9-8f44-e8d8bb1df986_story.html?noredirect=on|title=Venezuela's Maduro denies Pompeo's claim that he sought to escape to Cuba after day of clashes that left 1 dead, dozens hurt|author= Zuñiga, Mariana|date=30 April 2019|newspaper=The Washington Post|access-date=30 April 2019}}</ref> and López was at the Spanish embassy,<ref>{{cite news |url= https://www.abc.es/internacional/abci-leopoldo-lopez-refugia-embajada-espana-201905010259_noticia.html |publisher= ABC International |date= 1 May 2019 |access-date= 1 May 2019 |language= es |title= Leopoldo López se refugia en la Embajada de España}}</ref> while 25 military personnel |
Guaidó's supporters were forced to retreat by security forces using tear gas. ] fired on protesters with live ammunition, and one protester was shot in the head and killed.<ref name="MaduroDenies" /><ref name="ProtestsGrip" /> ] said it believed that "security forces fired shotgun pellets at demonstrators and journalists."<ref name="WorseToCome" /> By the end of the day, one protester had died,<ref name="MaduroDenies">{{Cite news|url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/world/the_americas/venezuelan-opposition-leader-juan-guaido-appears-to-stage-military-backed-challenge-to-president-maduro/2019/04/30/c7028eee-6b35-11e9-8f44-e8d8bb1df986_story.html?noredirect=on|title=Venezuela's Maduro denies Pompeo's claim that he sought to escape to Cuba after day of clashes that left 1 dead, dozens hurt|author= Zuñiga, Mariana|date=30 April 2019|newspaper=The Washington Post|access-date=30 April 2019}}</ref> and López was at the Spanish embassy,<ref>{{cite news |url= https://www.abc.es/internacional/abci-leopoldo-lopez-refugia-embajada-espana-201905010259_noticia.html |publisher= ABC International |date= 1 May 2019 |access-date= 1 May 2019 |language= es |title= Leopoldo López se refugia en la Embajada de España}}</ref> while about 25 military personnel received asylum in the Panamanian embassy in Caracas.{{sfn|Neuman|2022|pp=230–234 |loc= Chapter 25: "Bubble"}}<ref name="ChileConfirma">{{cite news |url= https://elpais.com/internacional/2019/04/30/actualidad/1556618727_875831.html |work= El Pais |date= 30 April 2019 |access-date= 30 April 2019 |language= es |title= Últimas noticias de Venezuela, en vivo: Chile confirma que Leopoldo López está en su Embajada en Caracas |trans-title= Latest news from Venezuela, live: Chile confirms that Leopoldo López is in their Embassy in Caracas}}</ref> | ||
Guaidó acknowledged he had received insufficient military backing,<ref name="WorseToCome" /> but added that "Maduro did not have the support nor the respect of the Armed Forces"<ref>{{cite news |title=Venezuela: Juan Guaidó asegura que "Maduro no tiene el respaldo ni el respeto de las fuerzas armadas" |url=https://www.bbc.com/mundo/noticias-america-latina-48114446 |access-date=2 May 2019 |agency=BBC |date=1 May 2019 |language=es}}</ref> and called for strikes beginning on 2 May, with the aim of a general strike later in the month.<ref name=ProtestsGrip>{{cite news |url= https://www.nytimes.com/2019/05/01/world/americas/venezuela-protests-guaido-maduro.html |work= The New York Times |date= 1 May 2019 |access-date= 2 May 2019 |author= Casey, Nicholas |title= Rival protests grip Venezuela after Guaidó's failed effort to beckon military}}</ref> Russia and the US each charged the other with interference in another country's affairs.<ref name=WorseToCome>{{cite news |url= https://www.cnn.com/2019/05/02/americas/venezuela-maduro-guaido-intl/index.html |publisher= CNN |date= 2 May 2019 |access-date= 2 May 2019 |title= As Guaido admits he needs more military support, Trump warns of worse to come in Venezuela |author= Berlinger, Joshua}}</ref> | Guaidó acknowledged he had received insufficient military backing,<ref name="WorseToCome" /> but added that "Maduro did not have the support nor the respect of the Armed Forces"<ref>{{cite news |title=Venezuela: Juan Guaidó asegura que "Maduro no tiene el respaldo ni el respeto de las fuerzas armadas" |url=https://www.bbc.com/mundo/noticias-america-latina-48114446 |access-date=2 May 2019 |agency=BBC |date=1 May 2019 |language=es}}</ref> and called for strikes beginning on 2 May, with the aim of a general strike later in the month.<ref name=ProtestsGrip>{{cite news |url= https://www.nytimes.com/2019/05/01/world/americas/venezuela-protests-guaido-maduro.html |work= The New York Times |date= 1 May 2019 |access-date= 2 May 2019 |author= Casey, Nicholas |title= Rival protests grip Venezuela after Guaidó's failed effort to beckon military}}</ref> Russia and the US each charged the other with interference in another country's affairs.<ref name=WorseToCome>{{cite news |url= https://www.cnn.com/2019/05/02/americas/venezuela-maduro-guaido-intl/index.html |publisher= CNN |date= 2 May 2019 |access-date= 2 May 2019 |title= As Guaido admits he needs more military support, Trump warns of worse to come in Venezuela |author= Berlinger, Joshua}}</ref> | ||
=== Negotiations === | === Negotiations === | ||
{{See also|Negotiations during the Venezuelan crisis#2019 presidential crisis}}Following the failed military uprising, momentum surrounding Guaidó had subsided and fewer supporters gathered at demonstrations, with Guaidó resorting to negotiations with Maduro.<ref name="NYTGuaidonegotiateMaduro">{{Cite news|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2019/05/21/world/americas/venezuela-juan-guaido-nicolas-maduro.html|title=Venezuela's Opposition Leader Juan Guaidó May Negotiate With Maduro|last=Kurmanaev|first=Anatoly|date=2019-05-21|work=]|access-date=2019-05-24|language=en-US|issn=0362-4331}}</ref> Guaidó's deputy chief Rafael Del Rosario acknowledged that the debacle on 30 April made the prospect of removing Maduro more difficult.<ref name=NYTGuaidonegotiateMaduro /> Beginning negotiations was a setback for Guaidó's movement,<ref name=NYTGuaidonegotiateMaduro /><ref name="MedNorway" /> with the ] stating, "Participation in the mediation effort is a reversal for the opposition, which has accused Maduro of using negotiations between 2016 and 2018 to play for time".<ref name="MedNorway" /> According to the ''New York Times'', years of difficulties has made Maduro "adept at managing, if not solving, cascading crises",<ref name=NYTGuaidonegotiateMaduro /> while Phil Gunson of the ] stated that despite facing issues, Maduro "must be very pleased that he is now in the driving seat", with the ability to use the actions of Guaidó and international actors for propaganda purposes.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.npr.org/2019/05/13/722959304/venezuelan-president-nicol-s-maduro-pushes-back-against-u-s-support-to-unseat-hi|title=Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro Pushes Back Against U.S. Support To Unseat Him|last=Reeves|first=Philip|date=13 May 2019|website=]|language=en|access-date=2019-05-24}}</ref> | {{See also|Negotiations during the Venezuelan crisis#2019 presidential crisis}}Following the failed military uprising, momentum surrounding Guaidó had subsided and fewer supporters gathered at demonstrations, with Guaidó resorting to negotiations with Maduro.<ref name="NYTGuaidonegotiateMaduro">{{Cite news|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2019/05/21/world/americas/venezuela-juan-guaido-nicolas-maduro.html|title=Venezuela's Opposition Leader Juan Guaidó May Negotiate With Maduro|last=Kurmanaev|first=Anatoly|date=2019-05-21|work=]|access-date=2019-05-24|language=en-US|issn=0362-4331}}</ref> Guaidó's deputy chief Rafael Del Rosario acknowledged that the debacle on 30 April made the prospect of removing Maduro more difficult.<ref name=NYTGuaidonegotiateMaduro /> Beginning negotiations was a setback for Guaidó's movement,<ref name=NYTGuaidonegotiateMaduro /><ref name="MedNorway" /> with the ] stating, "Participation in the mediation effort is a reversal for the opposition, which has accused Maduro of using negotiations between 2016 and 2018 to play for time".<ref name="MedNorway" /> According to the ''New York Times'', years of difficulties has made Maduro "adept at managing, if not solving, cascading crises",<ref name=NYTGuaidonegotiateMaduro /> while Phil Gunson of the ] stated that despite facing issues, Maduro "must be very pleased that he is now in the driving seat", with the ability to use the actions of Guaidó and international actors for propaganda purposes.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.npr.org/2019/05/13/722959304/venezuelan-president-nicol-s-maduro-pushes-back-against-u-s-support-to-unseat-hi|title=Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro Pushes Back Against U.S. Support To Unseat Him|last=Reeves|first=Philip|date=13 May 2019|website=]|language=en|access-date=2019-05-24}}</ref> By May 2019, Trump had decided that Guaidó was weak; Bolton attributed a change of Trump's position to a comment made by President of Russia ] to Trump in a phone call that Guaidó's claim to the presidency would be the equivalent of ] declaring herself president following the ].{{sfn|Neuman|2022|pp=230–234 |loc= Chapter 25: "Bubble"}} | ||
Representatives of Guaidó and Maduro began mediation with the assistance of the Norwegian Centre for Conflict Resolution (NOREF), with ] and ] serving as representatives for Maduro while {{ill|Gerardo Blyde|es}} and ] were representatives for Guaidó.<ref name="MedNorway" /><ref name=EuronewsSimonovis /> Guaidó confirmed that there was an envoy in Norway, but assured that the opposition would not take part in "any kind of false negotiation" and that talks must lead to Maduro's resignation, a transitional administration and free and fair elections.<ref name="MedNorway">{{Cite web|url=https://apnews.com/46613ff2cbaa4712b3dfb09d76ce1bc7|title=Mediation in Norway aims to resolve Venezuela crisis|author=Torchia, Christopher|date=17 May 2019|work=]|access-date=17 May 2019}}</ref><ref name=EuronewsSimonovis>{{cite news |title=Guaidó confirma contactos y anuncia la 'liberación' de Simonovis |url=https://es.euronews.com/2019/05/17/guaido-confirma-contactos-y-anuncia-la-liberacion-de-simonovis |agency=Euronews |date=17 May 2019 |language=es}}</ref> | Representatives of Guaidó and Maduro began mediation with the assistance of the Norwegian Centre for Conflict Resolution (NOREF), with ] and ] serving as representatives for Maduro while {{ill|Gerardo Blyde|es}} and ] were representatives for Guaidó.<ref name="MedNorway" /><ref name=EuronewsSimonovis /> Guaidó confirmed that there was an envoy in Norway, but assured that the opposition would not take part in "any kind of false negotiation" and that talks must lead to Maduro's resignation, a transitional administration and free and fair elections.<ref name="MedNorway">{{Cite web|url=https://apnews.com/46613ff2cbaa4712b3dfb09d76ce1bc7|title=Mediation in Norway aims to resolve Venezuela crisis|author=Torchia, Christopher|date=17 May 2019|work=]|access-date=17 May 2019}}</ref><ref name=EuronewsSimonovis>{{cite news |title=Guaidó confirma contactos y anuncia la 'liberación' de Simonovis |url=https://es.euronews.com/2019/05/17/guaido-confirma-contactos-y-anuncia-la-liberacion-de-simonovis |agency=Euronews |date=17 May 2019 |language=es}}</ref> | ||
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=== Second visit of the OHCHR === | === Second visit of the OHCHR === | ||
Ahead of a three-week session of the ], the OHCHR chief, ], visited Venezuela from 19 to 21 June.<ref name=reutersBacheletvisit>{{Cite news|url=https://www.reuters.com/article/us-venezuela-politics-un-idUSKCN1TM2BR|title=U.N. rights chief Bachelet urges Venezuela to release prisoners|last1=Pons|first1=Corina|date=22 June 2019|work=Reuters|access-date=22 June 2019|last2=Castro|first2=Shaylim}}</ref> The Human Rights Commissioner met separately with both Maduro and Guaidó during her visit, as well as with Maduro's Attorney General ], several human right activists, and families of victims who experienced torture and state repression.<ref name=reutersBacheletvisit /><ref name=bloombergBacheletvisit>{{Cite news|url=https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2019-06-21/protests-erupt-in-caracas-during-un-s-bachelet-venezuela-visit|title=Protests Erupt in Caracas During Venezuela Visit by UN's Bachelet|last=Laya|first=Patricia|date=20 June 2019|work=Bloomberg|access-date=22 June 2019}}</ref> Protests occurred in front of the UN office in Caracas during the last day of the visit, denouncing rights abuses carried out by Maduro's administration.<ref name=bloombergBacheletvisit /> ], who was released two days before the visit, joined the protest.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://apnews.com/97c6390cb2694098b823fe8766819d4b|title=UN human rights chief appeals for dialogue in Venezuela|last1=Smith|first1=Scott|last2=Goodman|first2=Joshua|date=22 June 2019|website=Associated Press|access-date=22 June 2019}}</ref> Bachelet announced the creation of a delegation maintained by two UN officials that will remain in Venezuela to monitor the humanitarian situation.<ref name=bloombergBacheletvisit /> Bachelet expressed concern that the recent sanctions on oil exports and gold trade could worsen the crisis that has increased since 2013,<ref name=bloombergBacheletvisit /><ref name=firstOHCHR>{{Cite web|url=https://www.ohchr.org/EN/NewsEvents/Pages/DisplayNews.aspx?NewsID=24722&LangID=E|title=First UN Human Rights presence in Venezuela|date=21 June 2019|website=OHCHR|access-date=23 June 2019}}</ref> calling the measures |
Ahead of a three-week session of the ], the OHCHR chief, ], visited Venezuela from 19 to 21 June.<ref name=reutersBacheletvisit>{{Cite news|url=https://www.reuters.com/article/us-venezuela-politics-un-idUSKCN1TM2BR|title=U.N. rights chief Bachelet urges Venezuela to release prisoners|last1=Pons|first1=Corina|date=22 June 2019|work=Reuters|access-date=22 June 2019|last2=Castro|first2=Shaylim}}</ref> The Human Rights Commissioner met separately with both Maduro and Guaidó during her visit, as well as with Maduro's Attorney General ], several human right activists, and families of victims who experienced torture and state repression.<ref name=reutersBacheletvisit /><ref name=bloombergBacheletvisit>{{Cite news|url=https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2019-06-21/protests-erupt-in-caracas-during-un-s-bachelet-venezuela-visit|title=Protests Erupt in Caracas During Venezuela Visit by UN's Bachelet|last=Laya|first=Patricia|date=20 June 2019|work=Bloomberg|access-date=22 June 2019}}</ref> Protests occurred in front of the UN office in Caracas during the last day of the visit, denouncing rights abuses carried out by Maduro's administration.<ref name=bloombergBacheletvisit /> ], who was released two days before the visit, joined the protest.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://apnews.com/97c6390cb2694098b823fe8766819d4b|title=UN human rights chief appeals for dialogue in Venezuela|last1=Smith|first1=Scott|last2=Goodman|first2=Joshua|date=22 June 2019|website=Associated Press|access-date=22 June 2019}}</ref> Bachelet announced the creation of a delegation maintained by two UN officials that will remain in Venezuela to monitor the humanitarian situation.<ref name=bloombergBacheletvisit /> Bachelet expressed concern that the recent sanctions on oil exports and gold trade could worsen the crisis that has increased since 2013,<ref name=bloombergBacheletvisit /><ref name=firstOHCHR>{{Cite web|url=https://www.ohchr.org/EN/NewsEvents/Pages/DisplayNews.aspx?NewsID=24722&LangID=E|title=First UN Human Rights presence in Venezuela|date=21 June 2019|website=OHCHR|access-date=23 June 2019}}</ref> calling the measures "extremely broad" and that they are capable of exacerbating the suffering of the Venezuelan people.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.theguardian.com/world/2019/aug/09/un-rights-chief-decries-latest-us-sanctions-venezuela-michelle-bachelet|title=UN rights chief decries latest US sanctions targeting Venezuela|newspaper=The Guardian|access-date=9 August 2019}}</ref> She also called for the release of political prisoners in Venezuela.<ref name=reutersBacheletvisit /> This was the first time a ] visited Venezuela.<ref name=firstOHCHR/> | ||
The final published report addressed the extrajudicial executions, torture, ]s and other human rights violations reportedly committed by Venezuelan security forces in the recent years.<ref name=reutersIndependenceday>{{Cite news|url=https://www.reuters.com/article/us-venezuela-politics-idUSKCN1U022E|title=On Venezuelan independence day, Maduro calls for dialogue as Guaido slams 'dictatorship'|date=5 July 2019|work=Reuters|access-date=10 July 2019}}</ref> Bachelet expressed her concerns for the "shockingly high" number of extrajudicial killings and urged for the dissolution of the ] (FAES).<ref name=Fr24Michellereport>{{Cite web|url=https://www.france24.com/en/20190705-venezuela-united-nations-report-michelle-bachelet-human-rights|title=UN report cites 'shockingly high' number of likely 'executions' in Venezuela|date=5 July 2019|website=France 24|access-date=10 July 2019}}</ref> According to the report, 1,569 cases of executions as consequence as a result of "resistance to authority" were registered by the Venezuelan authorities from 1 January to 19 March.<ref name=Fr24Michellereport/> Other 52 deaths that occurred during 2019 protests were attributed to colectivos.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://news.un.org/en/story/2019/07/1041902|title=UN human rights chief 'hopeful' Venezuelan authorities are ready to address violations, calls for dialogue|date=4 July 2019|website=UN News|access-date=10 July 2019}}</ref> The report also details how the Venezuelan government "aimed at neutralising, repressing and criminalising political opponents and people critical of the government" since 2016.<ref name=Fr24Michellereport /> | The final published report addressed the extrajudicial executions, torture, ]s and other human rights violations reportedly committed by Venezuelan security forces in the recent years.<ref name=reutersIndependenceday>{{Cite news|url=https://www.reuters.com/article/us-venezuela-politics-idUSKCN1U022E|title=On Venezuelan independence day, Maduro calls for dialogue as Guaido slams 'dictatorship'|date=5 July 2019|work=Reuters|access-date=10 July 2019}}</ref> Bachelet expressed her concerns for the "shockingly high" number of extrajudicial killings and urged for the dissolution of the ] (FAES).<ref name=Fr24Michellereport>{{Cite web|url=https://www.france24.com/en/20190705-venezuela-united-nations-report-michelle-bachelet-human-rights|title=UN report cites 'shockingly high' number of likely 'executions' in Venezuela|date=5 July 2019|website=France 24|access-date=10 July 2019}}</ref> According to the report, 1,569 cases of executions as consequence as a result of "resistance to authority" were registered by the Venezuelan authorities from 1 January to 19 March.<ref name=Fr24Michellereport/> Other 52 deaths that occurred during 2019 protests were attributed to colectivos.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://news.un.org/en/story/2019/07/1041902|title=UN human rights chief 'hopeful' Venezuelan authorities are ready to address violations, calls for dialogue|date=4 July 2019|website=UN News|access-date=10 July 2019}}</ref> The report also details how the Venezuelan government "aimed at neutralising, repressing and criminalising political opponents and people critical of the government" since 2016.<ref name=Fr24Michellereport /> | ||
Guaidó supported the investigation, stating "the systematic violation of human rights, the repression, the torture... is clearly identified in the (UN) report".<ref name=reutersIndependenceday /> Maduro administration described the report as a "biased vision" and demanded it be "corrected".<ref name=APreportbias>{{Cite web|url=https://apnews.com/8349d5ca263d494b849923529530ccf4|title=Venezuelan envoy rejects 'biased' report at UN rights body|last=Keaten|first=Jamey|date=5 July 2019|website=Associated Press|access-date=10 July 2019}}</ref> In the words of his foreign minister, " |
Guaidó supported the investigation, stating "the systematic violation of human rights, the repression, the torture... is clearly identified in the (UN) report".<ref name=reutersIndependenceday /> Maduro administration described the report as a "biased vision" and demanded it be "corrected".<ref name=APreportbias>{{Cite web|url=https://apnews.com/8349d5ca263d494b849923529530ccf4|title=Venezuelan envoy rejects 'biased' report at UN rights body|last=Keaten|first=Jamey|date=5 July 2019|website=Associated Press|access-date=10 July 2019}}</ref> In the words of his foreign minister, "It's a text lacking in scientific rigor, with serious errors in methodology and which seems like a carbon copy of previous reports".<ref name=APreportbias /> Maduro would later state that the OHCHR "has declared itself an enemy" to Maduro and the Bolivarian Revolution.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.dw.com/es/maduro-llama-a-la-oficina-de-bachelet-enemiga-de-venezuela/a-49642312|title=Maduro llama a la oficina de Bachelet "enemiga" de Venezuela {{!}} DW {{!}} 18.07.2019|date=18 July 2019|website=]|language=es-ES|access-date=2019-07-19}}</ref> | ||
Speaking to reporters after the UN Human Rights Council, Bachelet announced the release of 22 Venezuelan prisoners, including 20 students, judge ], in her second house arrest since March, and journalist ], arrested in 2016.<ref name=ReutersAfiuniJatar>{{Cite news|url=https://www.reuters.com/article/us-venezuela-un-prisoners-idUSKCN1U016V|title=Venezuela releasing judge, journalist, 20 students |
Speaking to reporters after the UN Human Rights Council, Bachelet announced the release of 22 Venezuelan prisoners, including 20 students, judge ], in her second house arrest since March, and journalist ], arrested in 2016.<ref name=ReutersAfiuniJatar>{{Cite news|url=https://www.reuters.com/article/us-venezuela-un-prisoners-idUSKCN1U016V|title=Venezuela releasing judge, journalist, 20 students – U.N.|last=Nebehay|first=Stephanie|date=5 July 2019|work=Reuters|access-date=10 July 2019}}</ref> Bachelet welcomed the conditional releases and the acceptance of the two officers delegation as "the beginning of positive engagement on the country's many human rights issues".<ref name=ReutersAfiuniJatar/> | ||
In October 2019, Venezuela competed for one of the two seats to the ], along with Brazil and Costa Rica, and was elected with 105 votes in a secret ballot by the 193-member ]. Brazil was re-elected with 153 votes, while Costa Rica was not having garnered 96 votes and entering the month of the election as competition to Venezuela. The United States, ] and human rights groups lobbied against Venezuela's election.<ref>{{cite news|last1=Nicols|first1=Michelle|url=https://www.reuters.com/article/us-un-rights-idUSKBN1WW2I7|title=Venezuela wins seat on U.N. rights council despite U.S. opposition|date=18 October 2019|access-date=26 March 2020|publisher=Reuters}}</ref> | In October 2019, Venezuela competed for one of the two seats to the ], along with Brazil and Costa Rica, and was elected with 105 votes in a secret ballot by the 193-member ]. Brazil was re-elected with 153 votes, while Costa Rica was not having garnered 96 votes and entering the month of the election as competition to Venezuela. The United States, ] and human rights groups lobbied against Venezuela's election.<ref>{{cite news|last1=Nicols|first1=Michelle|url=https://www.reuters.com/article/us-un-rights-idUSKBN1WW2I7|title=Venezuela wins seat on U.N. rights council despite U.S. opposition|date=18 October 2019|access-date=26 March 2020|publisher=Reuters}}</ref> | ||
On 16 September 2020, the United Nations accused the Maduro government of ].<ref>{{Cite web|last=Geneva|first=Staff and agencies in|date=2020-09-16|title=Venezuela: UN accuses Maduro government of crimes against humanity|url=http://www.theguardian.com/world/2020/sep/16/venezuela-un-report-crimes-against-humanity-maduro-government|access-date=2020-09-18|website= |
On 16 September 2020, the United Nations accused the Maduro government of ].<ref>{{Cite web|last=Geneva|first=Staff and agencies in|date=2020-09-16|title=Venezuela: UN accuses Maduro government of crimes against humanity|url=http://www.theguardian.com/world/2020/sep/16/venezuela-un-report-crimes-against-humanity-maduro-government|access-date=2020-09-18|website=The Guardian|language=en}}</ref> | ||
=== Torture and death of Acosta Arévalo === | === Torture and death of Acosta Arévalo === | ||
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The Maduro government increased its pressure by "deploying bribes, intimidation and repression" attempting to divide the opposition to maintain power.<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/world/the_americas/juan-guaido-promised-to-save-venezuela-a-year-later-the-flame-he-lit-is-petering-out-his-us-backers-are-weighing-their-options/2019/12/17/48a18186-1495-11ea-80d6-d0ca7007273f_story.html|title=Juan Guaidó promised to save Venezuela. Now the flame he lit is petering out, and his U.S. backers are weighing their options.|last=Faiola|first=Anthony|date=17 December 2019|newspaper=]}}</ref> | The Maduro government increased its pressure by "deploying bribes, intimidation and repression" attempting to divide the opposition to maintain power.<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/world/the_americas/juan-guaido-promised-to-save-venezuela-a-year-later-the-flame-he-lit-is-petering-out-his-us-backers-are-weighing-their-options/2019/12/17/48a18186-1495-11ea-80d6-d0ca7007273f_story.html|title=Juan Guaidó promised to save Venezuela. Now the flame he lit is petering out, and his U.S. backers are weighing their options.|last=Faiola|first=Anthony|date=17 December 2019|newspaper=]}}</ref> | ||
=== |
=== Dollarization === | ||
Following increased sanctions throughout 2019, the Maduro government abandoned policies established by ] such as price and currency controls |
Following increased sanctions throughout 2019, the Maduro government abandoned policies established by ] such as price and currency controls.<ref name=economistmoredollars/> In a November 2019 interview with ], President Maduro described ] as an "escape valve" that helps the recovery of the country, the spread of productive forces in the country and the economy. However, Maduro said that the ] would still remain as the national currency.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.reuters.com/article/us-venezuela-economy/maduro-says-thank-god-for-dollarization-in-venezuela-idUSKBN1XR0RV|title=Maduro says 'thank God' for dollarization in Venezuela|work=]|date=17 November 2019|access-date=18 November 2019}}</ref> '']'' wrote that Venezuela had also obtained "extra money from selling gold, both from illegal mines and from its reserves, and narcotics".<ref name=economistmoredollars/> Its article continued to explain that the improving economy led to more difficulties for Guaidó as Venezuelans who had a better situation were less likely to protest against Maduro.<ref name=economistmoredollars/> | ||
== 2020 events == | == 2020 events == | ||
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The ] of 5 January, to elect the Board of Directors of the National Assembly was disrupted. The events resulted in two competing claims for the Presidency of the National Assembly: one by ] and one by Juan Guaidó.<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.bbc.com/news/world-latin-america-51000419|title=Two Venezuela lawmakers declare themselves Speaker|date=2020-01-06|access-date=2020-01-06|language=en-GB}}</ref> Parra was formerly a member of ], but was expelled from the party on 20 December 2019 based on the ] corruption allegations, which he denied. From inside the legislature, Parra declared himself president of the National Assembly, a move that was welcomed by the Maduro administration.<ref name=APblockedcongresJanuary /> The opposition disputed this outcome, saying that quorum had not been achieved and that no votes were counted.<ref name=APblockedcongresJanuary>{{Cite web|url=https://apnews.com/ce9313397eb6eefff81f3760047908e4|title=Guaidó blocked from congress as Venezuelan conflict deepens|last=Sánchez|first=Fabiola|date=5 January 2020|website=Associated Press|access-date=2020-01-06}}</ref> Police forces had blocked access to parliament to some opposition members, including Guaidó and journalists. Later in the day, a separate session was carried out at the headquarters of '']'' newspaper, where 100 of the 167 deputies voted to re-elect Guaidó as president of the parliament.<ref name=APblockedcongresJanuary /> | The ] of 5 January, to elect the Board of Directors of the National Assembly was disrupted. The events resulted in two competing claims for the Presidency of the National Assembly: one by ] and one by Juan Guaidó.<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.bbc.com/news/world-latin-america-51000419|title=Two Venezuela lawmakers declare themselves Speaker|date=2020-01-06|access-date=2020-01-06|language=en-GB}}</ref> Parra was formerly a member of ], but was expelled from the party on 20 December 2019 based on the ] corruption allegations, which he denied. From inside the legislature, Parra declared himself president of the National Assembly, a move that was welcomed by the Maduro administration.<ref name=APblockedcongresJanuary /> The opposition disputed this outcome, saying that quorum had not been achieved and that no votes were counted.<ref name=APblockedcongresJanuary>{{Cite web|url=https://apnews.com/ce9313397eb6eefff81f3760047908e4|title=Guaidó blocked from congress as Venezuelan conflict deepens|last=Sánchez|first=Fabiola|date=5 January 2020|website=Associated Press|access-date=2020-01-06}}</ref> Police forces had blocked access to parliament to some opposition members, including Guaidó and journalists. Later in the day, a separate session was carried out at the headquarters of '']'' newspaper, where 100 of the 167 deputies voted to re-elect Guaidó as president of the parliament.<ref name=APblockedcongresJanuary /> | ||
Guaidó was sworn in a session on 7 January after forcing his way in through police barricades. On the same day, Parra reiterated his claim to the parliament's presidency.<ref name=":18"/> | Guaidó was sworn in a session on 7 January after forcing his way in through police barricades. On the same day, Parra reiterated his claim to the parliament's presidency.<ref name=":18">{{Cite web |last=Sanchez |first=Fabiola |date=7 January 2020 |title=Venezuela opposition leader takes new oath amidst standoff |url=https://apnews.com/3875175df2e72e339da0bb6c3e9656be |access-date=2020-01-07 |website=Associated Press}}</ref> | ||
] is the only foreign government to have officially recognized Luis Parra's investiture, while the European Union, the United States, Canada, and most Latin American countries recognized |
] is the only foreign government to have officially recognized Luis Parra's investiture, while the European Union, the United States, Canada, and most Latin American countries recognized Guaidó's re-election.<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.reuters.com/article/us-venezuela-politics-oil-idUSKBN1Z72UM|title=Venezuela's Maduro seeks oil contract changes with congressional shakeup: lawmakers|last=Armas|first=Mayela|date=8 January 2020|work=Reuters|access-date=2020-01-09|language=en}}</ref> | ||
=== Guaidó second international tour === | === Guaidó second international tour === | ||
On 19 January, Guaidó once again exited Venezuela and arrived in Colombia, planning to meet with ], as well as traveling to Europe and the United States later, defying his exit prohibition for a second time.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.infobae.com/america/venezuela/2020/01/19/juan-guaido-llego-a-colombia-para-reunirse-con-mike-pompeo/|title=Juan Guaidó llegó a Colombia y se reunirá con Mike Pompeo|website=]|language=es|access-date=19 January 2020}}</ref> Guaidó travelled to ], ], and on 22 January met with ], ], and ], ].<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.europapress.es/internacional/noticia-guaido-llega-bruselas-afianzar-presion-europa-maduro-20200122132212.html|title=Guaidó llega a Bruselas para "afianzar la presión de Europa" sobre Maduro|date=22 January 2020|website=]|language=es|access-date=1 February 2020}}</ref> On 23 January, Guaidó participated in the ] in ], ].<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.infobae.com/america/venezuela/2020/01/23/juan-guaido-llega-a-davos-un-ano-despues-de-asumir-como-presidente-interino-de-venezuela/|title=Juan Guaidó habló en el Foro Económico Mundial de Davos: "No vamos a descansar hasta lograr nuestra segunda independencia"|website=]|language=es|access-date=1 February 2020}}</ref> During his trip in Europe, Guaidó also met with ], ],<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://elpais.com/internacional/2020/01/24/actualidad/1579867151_888194.html|title=Tras Boris Johnson, también Macron recibe a Juan Guaidó|last=Ayuso|first=Silvia|date=24 January 2020|work=]|access-date=1 February 2020|language=es|issn=1134-6582}}</ref> and ].<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.infobae.com/america/venezuela/2020/01/23/juan-guaido-se-reunio-con-angela-merkel-en-el-foro-de-davos/|title=Juan Guaidó se reunió con Angela Merkel en el Foro de Davos|date=23 January 2020|website=]|language=es|access-date=1 February 2020}}</ref> Afterwards, Guaidó travelled to Canada and met with Prime Minister ].<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://elpais.com/internacional/2020/01/28/america/1580178306_420698.html|title=Guaidó avala los contactos de Canadá con Cuba para buscar una salida a la crisis de Venezuela|last=Porras Ferreyra|first=Jaime|date=28 January 2020|work=]|access-date=1 February 2020|language=es|issn=1134-6582}}</ref> On February 4, he was invited to President Donald Trump's 2020 ] address to Congress, and was applauded by the crowd, which was composed of members of both ] and ] parties.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.pbs.org/newshour/politics/venezuela-opposition-leader-juan-guaido-to-attend-state-of-the-union|title=WATCH: Trump praises Venezuela's Juan Guaidó at the State of the Union|date=2020-02-04|website=PBS NewsHour|language=en-us|access-date=2020-02-05}}</ref> | On 19 January, Guaidó once again exited Venezuela and arrived in Colombia, planning to meet with ], as well as traveling to Europe and the United States later, defying his exit prohibition for a second time.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.infobae.com/america/venezuela/2020/01/19/juan-guaido-llego-a-colombia-para-reunirse-con-mike-pompeo/|title=Juan Guaidó llegó a Colombia y se reunirá con Mike Pompeo|website=]|date=19 January 2020 |language=es|access-date=19 January 2020}}</ref> Guaidó travelled to ], ], and on 22 January met with ], ], and ], ].<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.europapress.es/internacional/noticia-guaido-llega-bruselas-afianzar-presion-europa-maduro-20200122132212.html|title=Guaidó llega a Bruselas para "afianzar la presión de Europa" sobre Maduro|date=22 January 2020|website=]|language=es|access-date=1 February 2020}}</ref> On 23 January, Guaidó participated in the ] in ], ].<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.infobae.com/america/venezuela/2020/01/23/juan-guaido-llega-a-davos-un-ano-despues-de-asumir-como-presidente-interino-de-venezuela/|title=Juan Guaidó habló en el Foro Económico Mundial de Davos: "No vamos a descansar hasta lograr nuestra segunda independencia"|website=]|date=23 January 2020 |language=es|access-date=1 February 2020}}</ref> During his trip in Europe, Guaidó also met with ], ],<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://elpais.com/internacional/2020/01/24/actualidad/1579867151_888194.html|title=Tras Boris Johnson, también Macron recibe a Juan Guaidó|last=Ayuso|first=Silvia|date=24 January 2020|work=]|access-date=1 February 2020|language=es|issn=1134-6582}}</ref> and ].<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.infobae.com/america/venezuela/2020/01/23/juan-guaido-se-reunio-con-angela-merkel-en-el-foro-de-davos/|title=Juan Guaidó se reunió con Angela Merkel en el Foro de Davos|date=23 January 2020|website=]|language=es|access-date=1 February 2020}}</ref> Afterwards, Guaidó travelled to Canada and met with Prime Minister ].<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://elpais.com/internacional/2020/01/28/america/1580178306_420698.html|title=Guaidó avala los contactos de Canadá con Cuba para buscar una salida a la crisis de Venezuela|last=Porras Ferreyra|first=Jaime|date=28 January 2020|work=]|access-date=1 February 2020|language=es|issn=1134-6582}}</ref> On February 4, he was invited to President Donald Trump's 2020 ] address to Congress, and was applauded by the crowd, which was composed of members of both ] and ] parties.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.pbs.org/newshour/politics/venezuela-opposition-leader-juan-guaido-to-attend-state-of-the-union|title=WATCH: Trump praises Venezuela's Juan Guaidó at the State of the Union|date=2020-02-04|website=PBS NewsHour|language=en-us|access-date=2020-02-05}}</ref> | ||
] declared that "nothing" would happen to Guaidó when he returned to Venezuela.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://elpitazo.net/politica/diosdado-cabello-a-guaido-no-le-pasara-nada-cuando-vuelva-a-venezuela/|title=Diosdado Cabello: "A Guaidó no le pasará nada cuando vuelva a Venezuela"|date=27 January 2020|website=]|publisher=EFE|language=es|access-date=1 February 2020}}</ref> After meeting with Donald Trump in the ], Constituent Assembly member ] said that if Guaidó wanted to come back as "commander-in-chief", "we will receive him with this '']''", hitting his podium with a ].<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://elpitazo.net/politica/asi-ataco-pedro-carreno-a-juan-guaido-tras-asistir-a-la-casa-blanca/|title=Así atacó Pedro Carreño a Juan Guaidó por asistir a la Casa Blanca|work=]|date=7 February 2020|access-date=13 February 2020|language=es}}</ref> Guaidó was allowed back into Venezuela by officials through ] on 12 February, despite the travel ban imposed by Maduro's government.<ref>{{Cite news|last=Kinosian|first=Sarah|url=https://www.reuters.com/article/us-venezuela-politics-idUSKBN2052DE|title=Venezuela's Guaido returns home after diplomatic world tour|date=12 February 2020|work=]|access-date=2020-02-12}}</ref> | ] declared that "nothing" would happen to Guaidó when he returned to Venezuela.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://elpitazo.net/politica/diosdado-cabello-a-guaido-no-le-pasara-nada-cuando-vuelva-a-venezuela/|title=Diosdado Cabello: "A Guaidó no le pasará nada cuando vuelva a Venezuela"|date=27 January 2020|website=]|publisher=EFE|language=es|access-date=1 February 2020}}</ref> After meeting with Donald Trump in the ], Constituent Assembly member ] said that if Guaidó wanted to come back as "commander-in-chief", "we will receive him with this '']''", hitting his podium with a ].<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://elpitazo.net/politica/asi-ataco-pedro-carreno-a-juan-guaido-tras-asistir-a-la-casa-blanca/|title=Así atacó Pedro Carreño a Juan Guaidó por asistir a la Casa Blanca|work=]|date=7 February 2020|access-date=13 February 2020|language=es}}</ref> Guaidó was allowed back into Venezuela by officials through ] on 12 February, despite the travel ban imposed by Maduro's government.<ref>{{Cite news|last=Kinosian|first=Sarah|url=https://www.reuters.com/article/us-venezuela-politics-idUSKBN2052DE|title=Venezuela's Guaido returns home after diplomatic world tour|date=12 February 2020|work=]|access-date=2020-02-12}}</ref> | ||
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=== Barquisimeto shooting === | === Barquisimeto shooting === | ||
{{Main|2020 Barquisimeto shooting}} | {{Main|2020 Barquisimeto shooting}} | ||
On 29 February Juan Guaidó mobilized a march against the government of Nicolás Maduro in the Juan de Villegas parish, ], ]. The day of the march, pro-government ] shot at Guaidó, who was in a van at the time of the shooting. Bolivarian National Intelligence Service agents were also reported of having participated in the attack.<ref name=":03">{{Cite news |last=Singer |first=Florantonia |date=2020-03-01 |title=El ataque a una concentración de Juan Guaidó deja al menos cinco heridos |language=es |work=El País |url=https://elpais.com/internacional/2020/03/01/america/1583026220_615376.html |access-date=2021-05-19 |issn=1134-6582}}</ref> Guaidó's vehicle received nine gunshots and the shooting left a total of ten wounded.<ref name=":03"/><ref>{{Cite web |
On 29 February Juan Guaidó mobilized a march against the government of Nicolás Maduro in the Juan de Villegas parish, ], ]. The day of the march, pro-government ] shot at Guaidó, who was in a van at the time of the shooting. Bolivarian National Intelligence Service agents were also reported of having participated in the attack.<ref name=":03">{{Cite news |last=Singer |first=Florantonia |date=2020-03-01 |title=El ataque a una concentración de Juan Guaidó deja al menos cinco heridos |language=es |work=El País |url=https://elpais.com/internacional/2020/03/01/america/1583026220_615376.html |access-date=2021-05-19 |issn=1134-6582}}</ref> Guaidó's vehicle received nine gunshots and the shooting left a total of ten wounded.<ref name=":03"/><ref>{{Cite web |date=29 February 2020 |title=Colectivos chavistas atacaron una concentración convocada por Juan Guaidó en Barquisimeto |url=https://www.infobae.com/america/venezuela/2020/02/29/colectivos-chavistas-atacaron-una-concentracion-convocada-por-juan-guaido-en-barquisimeto/ |access-date=2021-05-19 |website=] |language=es}}</ref> | ||
=== COVID-19 pandemic === | === COVID-19 pandemic === | ||
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=== US Department of Justice indictment === | === US Department of Justice indictment === | ||
]]] | ]]] | ||
On 26 March, the ] offered $15 million on Nicolás Maduro, and $10 million each on ], ], ] and ], for information leading to their arrest in relation to charges of ] and ].<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.state.gov/department-of-state-offers-rewards-for-information-to-bring-venezuelan-drug-traffickers-to-justice/|title=Department of State Offers Rewards for Information to Bring Venezuelan Drug Traffickers to Justice|date=26 March 2020|website=state.gov}}</ref> Maduro had been offering to hold talks with the opposition about handling the outbreak in the country shortly before the indictment and then called them off.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.theguardian.com/world/2020/mar/26/nicolas-maduro-us-indictment-venezuela-drug-trafficking-leaders|title=US indicts Nicolás Maduro and other top Venezuelan leaders for drug trafficking|date=26 March 2020|website=The Guardian|access-date=26 March 2020}}</ref><ref name="nyt2020">{{Cite news|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2020/03/26/nyregion/venezuela-president-drug-trafficking-nicolas-maduro.html|title=Venezuelan President Is Charged in the U.S. With Drug Trafficking|first1=Katie|last1=Benner|first2=William K.|last2=Rashbaum|first3=Benjamin|last3=Weiser|newspaper=The New York Times|date=26 March 2020}}</ref><ref name="npr2020">{{Cite web|url=https://www.npr.org/2020/03/26/821933849/u-s-unseals-drug-trafficking-charges-against-venezuelas-president-maduro|title=U.S. Unseals Drug Trafficking Charges Against Venezuela's President Maduro|website=NPR |
On 26 March, the ] offered $15 million on Nicolás Maduro, and $10 million each on ], ], ] and ], for information leading to their arrest in relation to charges of ] and ].<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.state.gov/department-of-state-offers-rewards-for-information-to-bring-venezuelan-drug-traffickers-to-justice/|title=Department of State Offers Rewards for Information to Bring Venezuelan Drug Traffickers to Justice|date=26 March 2020|website=state.gov}}</ref> Maduro had been offering to hold talks with the opposition about handling the outbreak in the country shortly before the indictment and then called them off.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.theguardian.com/world/2020/mar/26/nicolas-maduro-us-indictment-venezuela-drug-trafficking-leaders|title=US indicts Nicolás Maduro and other top Venezuelan leaders for drug trafficking|date=26 March 2020|website=The Guardian|access-date=26 March 2020}}</ref><ref name="nyt2020">{{Cite news|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2020/03/26/nyregion/venezuela-president-drug-trafficking-nicolas-maduro.html|title=Venezuelan President Is Charged in the U.S. With Drug Trafficking|first1=Katie|last1=Benner|first2=William K.|last2=Rashbaum|first3=Benjamin|last3=Weiser|newspaper=The New York Times|date=26 March 2020}}</ref><ref name="npr2020">{{Cite web|url=https://www.npr.org/2020/03/26/821933849/u-s-unseals-drug-trafficking-charges-against-venezuelas-president-maduro|title=U.S. Unseals Drug Trafficking Charges Against Venezuela's President Maduro|website=NPR|date=26 March 2020 |last1=Ewing |first1=Philip }}</ref><ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.bbc.com/news/world-latin-america-52053799|title=US charges Venezuelan leader with 'narco-terrorism'|date=2020-03-26|work=BBC News|access-date=2020-03-26}}</ref> | ||
After being indicted, retired general Clíver Alcalá in Colombia published a video claiming responsibility for a stockpile of weapons and military equipment seized in Colombia.<ref name=cliverAJ>{{Cite web|url=https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2020/03/alleged-nicolas-maduro-conspirator-custody-report-200328021011803.html|title=Alleged Nicolas Maduro co-conspirator is in US custody: Report|date=28 March 2020|website=AlJazeera|access-date=2020-04-08}}</ref> According to Alcalá, he had made a contract with Guaidó and "American advisers" in order to buy weapons to remove Maduro.<ref name=cliverAJ/> Alcalá did not present any evidence<ref name=cliverAJ /> and Guaidó rejected the allegations.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.elespectador.com/noticias/el-mundo/guaido-niega-haber-firmado-contrato-con-cliver-alcala-para-supuesta-operacion-armada-articulo-912001|title=Guaidó niega haber firmado contrato con Clíver Alcalá para supuesta "operación armada"|date=30 March 2020|website=El Espectador|language=ES|access-date=8 April 2020}}</ref> After wishing farewell to his family, Alcalá surrendered to US authorities on 27 March.<ref>{{Cite news|last=Berwick|first=Angus|url=https://www.reuters.com/article/us-usa-venezuela-dea-exclusive-idUSKBN21E3IQ|title=Alleged Maduro accomplice surrenders to U.S. agents, will help prosecution: sources|date=28 March 2020|work=Reuters|access-date=2020-04-08}}</ref> | After being indicted, retired general Clíver Alcalá in Colombia published a video claiming responsibility for a stockpile of weapons and military equipment seized in Colombia.<ref name=cliverAJ>{{Cite web|url=https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2020/03/alleged-nicolas-maduro-conspirator-custody-report-200328021011803.html|title=Alleged Nicolas Maduro co-conspirator is in US custody: Report|date=28 March 2020|website=AlJazeera|access-date=2020-04-08}}</ref> According to Alcalá, he had made a contract with Guaidó and "American advisers" in order to buy weapons to remove Maduro.<ref name=cliverAJ/> Alcalá did not present any evidence<ref name=cliverAJ /> and Guaidó rejected the allegations.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.elespectador.com/noticias/el-mundo/guaido-niega-haber-firmado-contrato-con-cliver-alcala-para-supuesta-operacion-armada-articulo-912001|title=Guaidó niega haber firmado contrato con Clíver Alcalá para supuesta "operación armada"|date=30 March 2020|website=El Espectador|language=ES|access-date=8 April 2020}}</ref> After wishing farewell to his family, Alcalá surrendered to US authorities on 27 March.<ref>{{Cite news|last=Berwick|first=Angus|url=https://www.reuters.com/article/us-usa-venezuela-dea-exclusive-idUSKBN21E3IQ|title=Alleged Maduro accomplice surrenders to U.S. agents, will help prosecution: sources|date=28 March 2020|work=Reuters|access-date=2020-04-08}}</ref> | ||
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On 31 March, US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo said that sanctions did not apply to humanitarian aid during the ] and that the US would ] if Maduro agreed to organize elections that did not include himself in a period of six to twelve months. Pompeo reiterated US support for Juan Guaidó.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.infobae.com/america/venezuela/2020/03/31/mike-pompeo-dijo-que-eeuu-levantara-las-sanciones-a-venezuela-si-el-chavismo-acepta-ir-a-elecciones-libres-sin-maduro-ni-guaido/|title=Mike Pompeo dijo que EEUU levantará las sanciones a Venezuela si el chavismo acepta ir a elecciones libres|date=March 31, 2020|website=Infobae Mexico|language=es|trans-title=Mike Pompeo said that the US will lift sanctions against Venezuela if Chavismo agrees to go to free elections}}</ref> The US proposed a transitional government that would exclude both Maduro and Guaidó from the presidency.<ref>{{cite news|last1=Faiola|first1=Anthony|url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/world/the_americas/us-proposes-transitional-government-for-venezuela-without-maduro-or-guaido/2020/03/31/8642a99a-7352-11ea-ad9b-254ec99993bc_story.html|title=U.S. proposes transitional government for Venezuela, without Maduro or Guaidó|date=31 March 2020|newspaper=]|access-date=31 March 2020|last2=Morello|first2=Carol}}</ref> The deal would enforce a power-sharing scenario between the different government factions. Elections would have to be held within the year, and all foreign militaries, particularly Cuba and Russia, would have to leave the country. The US were still seeking Maduro's arrest at the time of the announcement.<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.bbc.com/news/world-us-canada-52111805|title=US offers Venezuela deal to lift sanctions|date=2020-03-31|work=BBC News|access-date=2020-03-31|language=en-GB}}</ref> Other aspects of the US deal would include releasing all political prisoners and setting up a five-person council to lead the country; two members each chosen by Maduro and Guaidó would sit on the council, with the last member selected by the four. The European Union also agreed to remove sanctions if the deal went ahead. Experts have noted that the deal is similar to earlier proposals but explicitly mentions who would lead a transitional government, something which stalled previous discussions, and comes shortly after the US indicted Maduro, which might pressure him to peacefully leave power.<ref>{{Cite news|last=Borger|first=Julian|url=https://www.theguardian.com/world/2020/mar/31/venezuela-us-transition-plan-maduro-guaido|title=US calls on Maduro and Guaidó to stand down in Venezuela transition plan|date=2020-03-31|work=The Guardian|access-date=2020-03-31|language=en-GB|issn=0261-3077}}</ref> Guaidó accepted the proposal<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.atlantico.net/articulo/mundo/guaido-acepta-gobierno-transicion-propone-eeuu/20200401004816766792.html|title=Guaidó acepta el gobierno de transición que propone EEUU|date=1 April 2020|website=Atlántico|language=es}}</ref> while Venezuela's foreign minister ] rejected it and declared that only parliamentary elections would take place in 2020. Arreaza said that "decisions about Venezuela would be made in Caracas and not in Washington or other capitals" and that "the most important transition for Venezuela was the one started many years ago from capitalism to socialism."{{undue weight inline|reasson=Political statement, Guaidó's declaration is not included|date=April 2020}}<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.europapress.es/internacional/noticia-arreaza-rechaza-propuesta-eeuu-transicion-democratica-venezuela-20200331184928.html|title=Arreaza rechaza la propuesta de EEUU para una 'transición democrática' en Venezuela|date=31 March 2020|agency=]|language=es|access-date=1 April 2020}}</ref> | On 31 March, US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo said that sanctions did not apply to humanitarian aid during the ] and that the US would ] if Maduro agreed to organize elections that did not include himself in a period of six to twelve months. Pompeo reiterated US support for Juan Guaidó.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.infobae.com/america/venezuela/2020/03/31/mike-pompeo-dijo-que-eeuu-levantara-las-sanciones-a-venezuela-si-el-chavismo-acepta-ir-a-elecciones-libres-sin-maduro-ni-guaido/|title=Mike Pompeo dijo que EEUU levantará las sanciones a Venezuela si el chavismo acepta ir a elecciones libres|date=March 31, 2020|website=Infobae Mexico|language=es|trans-title=Mike Pompeo said that the US will lift sanctions against Venezuela if Chavismo agrees to go to free elections}}</ref> The US proposed a transitional government that would exclude both Maduro and Guaidó from the presidency.<ref>{{cite news|last1=Faiola|first1=Anthony|url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/world/the_americas/us-proposes-transitional-government-for-venezuela-without-maduro-or-guaido/2020/03/31/8642a99a-7352-11ea-ad9b-254ec99993bc_story.html|title=U.S. proposes transitional government for Venezuela, without Maduro or Guaidó|date=31 March 2020|newspaper=]|access-date=31 March 2020|last2=Morello|first2=Carol}}</ref> The deal would enforce a power-sharing scenario between the different government factions. Elections would have to be held within the year, and all foreign militaries, particularly Cuba and Russia, would have to leave the country. The US were still seeking Maduro's arrest at the time of the announcement.<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.bbc.com/news/world-us-canada-52111805|title=US offers Venezuela deal to lift sanctions|date=2020-03-31|work=BBC News|access-date=2020-03-31|language=en-GB}}</ref> Other aspects of the US deal would include releasing all political prisoners and setting up a five-person council to lead the country; two members each chosen by Maduro and Guaidó would sit on the council, with the last member selected by the four. The European Union also agreed to remove sanctions if the deal went ahead. Experts have noted that the deal is similar to earlier proposals but explicitly mentions who would lead a transitional government, something which stalled previous discussions, and comes shortly after the US indicted Maduro, which might pressure him to peacefully leave power.<ref>{{Cite news|last=Borger|first=Julian|url=https://www.theguardian.com/world/2020/mar/31/venezuela-us-transition-plan-maduro-guaido|title=US calls on Maduro and Guaidó to stand down in Venezuela transition plan|date=2020-03-31|work=The Guardian|access-date=2020-03-31|language=en-GB|issn=0261-3077}}</ref> Guaidó accepted the proposal<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.atlantico.net/articulo/mundo/guaido-acepta-gobierno-transicion-propone-eeuu/20200401004816766792.html|title=Guaidó acepta el gobierno de transición que propone EEUU|date=1 April 2020|website=Atlántico|language=es}}</ref> while Venezuela's foreign minister ] rejected it and declared that only parliamentary elections would take place in 2020. Arreaza said that "decisions about Venezuela would be made in Caracas and not in Washington or other capitals" and that "the most important transition for Venezuela was the one started many years ago from capitalism to socialism."{{undue weight inline|reasson=Political statement, Guaidó's declaration is not included|date=April 2020}}<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.europapress.es/internacional/noticia-arreaza-rechaza-propuesta-eeuu-transicion-democratica-venezuela-20200331184928.html|title=Arreaza rechaza la propuesta de EEUU para una 'transición democrática' en Venezuela|date=31 March 2020|agency=]|language=es|access-date=1 April 2020}}</ref> | ||
After various members of Guaidó's team were arrested on 30 March, Guaidó denounced a new wave of attacks against him.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://lta.reuters.com/articulo/venezuela-politica-guaido-idLTAKBN21H36S|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200401102618/https://lta.reuters.com/articulo/venezuela-politica-guaido-idLTAKBN21H36S|url-status=dead|archive-date=1 April 2020|title=Guaidó denuncia nueva oleada de acoso a sus colaboradores por parte de autoridades Venezuela |
After various members of Guaidó's team were arrested on 30 March, Guaidó denounced a new wave of attacks against him.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://lta.reuters.com/articulo/venezuela-politica-guaido-idLTAKBN21H36S|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200401102618/https://lta.reuters.com/articulo/venezuela-politica-guaido-idLTAKBN21H36S|url-status=dead|archive-date=1 April 2020|title=Guaidó denuncia nueva oleada de acoso a sus colaboradores por parte de autoridades Venezuela – Reuters|date=30 March 2020|website=Reuters|language=es|access-date=2020-04-08}}</ref> Following that, Attorney General ] called Juan Guaidó to appear before the ] on 2 April based on Alcalá's accusations.<ref name=France24Prosecutor>{{Cite web|url=https://www.france24.com/en/20200402-venezuela-opposition-denounces-arrests-of-guaido-allies|title=Venezuela opposition denounces arrests of Guaido allies|date=2 April 2020|website=France 24|access-date=2020-04-08}}</ref> Guaidó did not accept to appear before the public prosecutor.<ref name=France24Prosecutor /> The day of the citation, two more members of Guaidó's office were arrested, charged for alleged "attempted coup d'etat" and "magnicide".<ref name=France24Prosecutor/> Guaidó's team reported that "With this new assault by the dictatorship, there are now 10 members that have been detained by security forces. Five of them in the last 72 hours."<ref name=France24Prosecutor /> | ||
] reported that during the pandemic allies of both ] and ] had secretly begun exploratory talks, according to sources on both sides.<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.reuters.com/article/us-health-coronavirus-venezuela-politics-idUSKCN2232NX|title=Exclusive: Venezuela Socialists, opposition leaders begin secret talks amid pandemic |
] reported that during the pandemic allies of both ] and ] had secretly begun exploratory talks, according to sources on both sides.<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.reuters.com/article/us-health-coronavirus-venezuela-politics-idUSKCN2232NX|title=Exclusive: Venezuela Socialists, opposition leaders begin secret talks amid pandemic – sources|date=2020-04-21|work=]|access-date=2020-04-21|language=en}}</ref> Guaidó and ] for ] ] have denied that negotiations have taken place.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://efectococuyo.com/politica/guaido-no-hay-ningun-tipo-de-negociacion-o-mediacion-con-regimen-de-maduro/|title=Guaidó: No hay ningún tipo de negociación o mediación con régimen de Maduro|date=2020-04-23|website=]|language=es|access-date=2020-04-25}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://elpitazo.net/politica/elliot-abrams-no-existe-negociacion-entre-oposicion-y-el-oficialismo/|title=Elliott Abrams: No existe negociación entre oposición y el oficialismo|last=Batiz|first=César|date=2020-04-22|website=]|language=es|access-date=2020-04-25}}</ref> The ] reported that the National Assembly agreed to establish a monthly $5,000 salary for the lawmakers funded from an $80 million "Liberation Fund" made up of Venezuelan assets seized by the Trump administration. Guaidó's communications team issued a statement denying that such salary had been approved, saying that lawmakers have gone unpaid since Maduro cut off funding after the opposition won the legislature in 2015 and that the deputies would determine an appropriate, as well as communicating it transparently. It also said that the $14 million in funding destined for the National Assembly would cover not only the deputies' personal income, but also office expenses, staff costs, travel and other related legislative expenses.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://apnews.com/bd68454e33c7cf5a57fe7bdfa32fe5a7|title=Sources: Guaido allies take slice of first Venezuela budget|date=2020-04-23|website=]|access-date=2020-04-25}}</ref> | ||
===Operation Gideon=== | ===Operation Gideon=== | ||
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The opposition criticized the appointment of the members of the National Electoral Council by the Supreme Tribunal, stating that it is under the purview of the National Assembly, and at least seven political parties had their board of directors suspended or replaced by the pro-government ], including Popular Will, Justice First, Democratic Action,<ref name=":10">{{Cite web |date=7 July 2020 |title=El Supremo venezolano suspende a la directiva del partido de Leopoldo López |url=https://www.rtve.es/noticias/20200707/supremo-venezolano-suspende-directiva-del-partido-leopoldo-lopez/2026181.shtml |access-date=7 July 2020 |website=RTVE |publisher=EFE}}</ref> and ], as well as left-wing political parties, including ],<ref name=":11">{{Cite web |last=Lozano |first=Daniel |date=19 August 2020 |title=El Supremo de Venezuela interviene la directiva del partido chavista Tupamaro |url=https://www.elmundo.es/internacional/2020/08/19/5f3d70cafdddffb1428b465d.html |website=]}}</ref> ],<ref name=":12">{{Cite web |last=Martínez |first=Deisy |date=22 August 2020 |title=TSJ ordena la intervención de la directiva de Patria Para Todos |url=https://efectococuyo.com/politica/tsj-ordena-la-intervencion-de-la-directiva-de-patria-para-todos/ |website=] |language=es}}</ref> and ].<ref name="infobae.com">{{Cite web |date=26 August 2020 |title=La Justicia chavista intervino otros dos partidos políticos de izquierda en Venezuela |url=https://www.infobae.com/america/venezuela/2020/08/26/la-justicia-chavista-intervino-otros-dos-partidos-politicos-de-izquierda-en-venezuela/ |website=]}}</ref> Opposition politicians ] and ] initially encouraged participation in the elections. They later withdrew and demanded better electoral conditions.<ref name=":9">{{Cite web |date=30 September 2020 |title=Fórmula Capriles-Stalin se retira para buscar mejores condiciones electorales para las parlamentarias del 6-D |url=https://cronica.uno/formula-capriles-stalin-retira-para-buscar-mejores-condiciones-electorales-para-las-parlamentarias-del-6d/ |access-date=6 October 2020 |website=Crónica Uno |language=es}}</ref> | The opposition criticized the appointment of the members of the National Electoral Council by the Supreme Tribunal, stating that it is under the purview of the National Assembly, and at least seven political parties had their board of directors suspended or replaced by the pro-government ], including Popular Will, Justice First, Democratic Action,<ref name=":10">{{Cite web |date=7 July 2020 |title=El Supremo venezolano suspende a la directiva del partido de Leopoldo López |url=https://www.rtve.es/noticias/20200707/supremo-venezolano-suspende-directiva-del-partido-leopoldo-lopez/2026181.shtml |access-date=7 July 2020 |website=RTVE |publisher=EFE}}</ref> and ], as well as left-wing political parties, including ],<ref name=":11">{{Cite web |last=Lozano |first=Daniel |date=19 August 2020 |title=El Supremo de Venezuela interviene la directiva del partido chavista Tupamaro |url=https://www.elmundo.es/internacional/2020/08/19/5f3d70cafdddffb1428b465d.html |website=]}}</ref> ],<ref name=":12">{{Cite web |last=Martínez |first=Deisy |date=22 August 2020 |title=TSJ ordena la intervención de la directiva de Patria Para Todos |url=https://efectococuyo.com/politica/tsj-ordena-la-intervencion-de-la-directiva-de-patria-para-todos/ |website=] |language=es}}</ref> and ].<ref name="infobae.com">{{Cite web |date=26 August 2020 |title=La Justicia chavista intervino otros dos partidos políticos de izquierda en Venezuela |url=https://www.infobae.com/america/venezuela/2020/08/26/la-justicia-chavista-intervino-otros-dos-partidos-politicos-de-izquierda-en-venezuela/ |website=]}}</ref> Opposition politicians ] and ] initially encouraged participation in the elections. They later withdrew and demanded better electoral conditions.<ref name=":9">{{Cite web |date=30 September 2020 |title=Fórmula Capriles-Stalin se retira para buscar mejores condiciones electorales para las parlamentarias del 6-D |url=https://cronica.uno/formula-capriles-stalin-retira-para-buscar-mejores-condiciones-electorales-para-las-parlamentarias-del-6d/ |access-date=6 October 2020 |website=Crónica Uno |language=es}}</ref> | ||
The ], the ], the ] and the ] rejected holding parliamentary elections in 2020, insisting in the necessity of holding elections "with free and fair conditions |
The ], the ], the ] and the ] rejected holding parliamentary elections in 2020, insisting in the necessity of holding elections "with free and fair conditions".<ref name=":2">{{Cite news |date=17 June 2020 |title=Venezuela: El Grupo Lima repudia la "designación ilegal " del Consejo Electoral |language=es |website=] |url=https://www.lanacion.com.ar/el-mundo/venezuela-repudio-internacional-designacion-ilegal-del-consejo-nid2380929 |access-date=17 June 2020}}</ref> The International Contact Group, headed by Uruguay, stated the formation of the Electoral Council "undermines the credibility of the next electoral process."<ref name=":2" /> The ] (OAS) stated the appointment of the Electoral Council was "illegal", rejecting it, and further stated that independent bodies are needed for "transparent, free and fair" elections to take place in the country.<ref name="europapress.es">{{Cite web |date=2020-06-27 |title=La OEA rechaza la designación "ilegal" del CNE de Venezuela y pide unas elecciones "justas y transparentes" |url=https://www.europapress.es/internacional/noticia-oea-rechaza-designacion-ilegal-cne-venezuela-pide-elecciones-justas-transparentes-20200627051155.html |access-date=2020-08-13 |website=]}}</ref> In July, the ], headed by ], said that "the recent decisions of the Supreme Tribunal of Justice diminish the possibility to build conditions for democratic and credible electoral processes" and "appoint new National Electoral Council rectors without the consensus of all the political forces."<ref name="news.un.org">{{Cite web |date=2 July 2020 |title=Bachelet: la posibilidad de procesos electorales democráticos en Venezuela disminuye |url=https://news.un.org/es/story/2020/07/1476902 |access-date=6 July 2020 |website=Noticias ONU |language=es}}</ref><ref name="ReferenceA">{{Cite web |date=2020-07-02 |title=Bachelet carga contra los últimos fallos del Supremo de Venezuela por no contribuir a un proceso electoral "creíble" |url=https://www.europapress.es/internacional/noticia-bachelet-carga-contra-ultimos-fallos-supremo-venezuela-no-contribuir-proceso-electoral-creible-20200702164200.html |access-date=2020-08-13 |website=]}}</ref> | ||
== 2021 events == | == 2021 events == | ||
As a response to the position of the ] party of focusing on a timetable for presidential, parliamentary and regional elections, ] said that "telling us from Europe that we are maximalist because we want freedom is a colonialist comment that we should renounce our dream of freedom when you already have it. |
As a response to the position of the ] party of focusing on a timetable for presidential, parliamentary and regional elections, ] said that "telling us from Europe that we are maximalist because we want freedom is a colonialist comment that we should renounce our dream of freedom when you already have it."<ref>{{Cite news|title=Venezuela's opposition targets 'narrow' chance to tame Maduro|url=https://amp.ft.com/content/a3dc76c4-d86a-4d20-8dc4-d5f97dd34d2d|access-date=2021-09-22|website=]|date=10 August 2021 }}</ref> | ||
On 5 August 2021, Mexican President ] announced that Mexico would host talks between the Maduro government and the political opposition.<ref>{{cite news |title=Mexico to host negotiations between Venezuelan government, opposition |url=https://www.reuters.com/world/americas/mexico-host-negotiations-between-venezuelan-government-opposition-2021-08-05/ |access-date=5 August 2021 |work=Reuters |date=5 August 2021}}</ref> | On 5 August 2021, Mexican President ] announced that Mexico would host talks between the Maduro government and the political opposition.<ref>{{cite news |title=Mexico to host negotiations between Venezuelan government, opposition |url=https://www.reuters.com/world/americas/mexico-host-negotiations-between-venezuelan-government-opposition-2021-08-05/ |access-date=5 August 2021 |work=Reuters |date=5 August 2021}}</ref> | ||
== 2022 events == | == 2022 events == | ||
On 11 June 2022, pro-government followers attacked Guaidó after an opposition march in ], ], throwing objects at him and violently removed from the restaurant he was holding a meeting in. ], former PSUV deputy and candidate for the Cojedes governorship, was identified as one of the people that led the attack against Guaidó.<ref>{{Cite web |last= |first= |date=2022-06-11 |title=Chavistas enfurecidos agredieron salvajemente a Juan Guaidó |url=https://www.infobae.com/america/venezuela/2022/06/11/militantes-chavistas-atacaron-a-juan-guaido-en-el-estado-de-cojedes/ |access-date=2022-06-13 |website=] |language=es}}</ref> | |||
=== San Carlos attack === | |||
On 11 June 2022, pro-government followers attacked Guaidó after an opposition march in ], ], throwing objects at him and violently removing him from the restaurant he was holding a meeting in. ], former PSUV deputy and candidate for the Cojedes governorship, was identified as one of the people that led the attack against Guaidó.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2022-06-11 |title=Chavistas enfurecidos agredieron salvajemente a Juan Guaidó |url=https://www.infobae.com/america/venezuela/2022/06/11/militantes-chavistas-atacaron-a-juan-guaido-en-el-estado-de-cojedes/ |access-date=2022-06-13 |website=] |language=es}}</ref> | |||
=== Interim government dissolution === | |||
On 30 December 2022, three of the four main political parties (], ] and ]) backed a reform of the Statute for the Transition to Democracy to dissolve the interim government and create a commission of five members to manage foreign assets,<ref name=":1" /><ref name=":3" /> stating that the interim government had failed to achieve the goals it had set.<ref name=":7" /> The amendment was voted by the opposition National Assembly as deputies sought a united strategy ahead of the ] scheduled for 2024. The reform was approved with 72 votes in favor, 29 against and 8 abstentions.<ref name=":1" /><ref name=":3" /> | |||
== Recognition, reactions, and public opinion == | == Recognition, reactions, and public opinion == | ||
{{main|Responses to the Venezuelan presidential crisis}} | {{main|Responses to the Venezuelan presidential crisis}} | ||
[[File:Venezuela president recognition map 2019.svg|thumb|350px|Nations recognizing presidential legitimacy as of |
[[File:Venezuela president recognition map 2019-.svg|thumb|350px|Nations recognizing presidential legitimacy as of 8 February 2019, during the year of Guaidó's height of recognition. | ||
{{legend| |
{{legend|black|Venezuela}} | ||
{{legend|# |
{{legend|#999999|Neutral countries}} | ||
{{legend|#E0E0E0|No statement}} |
{{legend|#E0E0E0|No statement}} | ||
{{legend| |
{{legend|green|Countries recognizing Guaidó}} | ||
{{legend|#55FF55|Countries supporting the opposition National Assembly}} | |||
{{legend|red|Countries recognizing Maduro}} | |||
]] | |||
[[File:Venezuela president recognition map.svg|thumb|350px|Nations recognizing presidential legitimacy as of 5 January 2023, before Guaidó's interim government dissolution was made effective: | |||
{{legend|#000000|Venezuela}} | |||
{{legend|#535D6C|Neutral}} | |||
{{legend|#E0E0E0|No statement}} | |||
{{legend|blue|Recognize Guaidó}} | {{legend|blue|Recognize Guaidó}} | ||
{{legend|#5599FF|Support ]}} | |||
{{legend|#ff0000|Recognize Maduro}} | {{legend|#ff0000|Recognize Maduro}} | ||
|alt=]] | |alt=]] | ||
At his peak, Guaidó's claim as the interim president of Venezuela was recognized 57 countries,<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.venezuelablog.org/interactive-map-degrees-of-diplomatic-recognition-of-guaido-and-maduro/|title=Interactive Map: Degrees of Diplomatic Recognition of Guaidó and Maduro|last1=Martinez-Gugerli|first1=Kristen|date=15 October 2020|publisher=Venezuela Blog|access-date=14 June 2022}}</ref> "including the US, Canada and most Latin American and European countries".<ref name=HowNation>{{Cite news|url=https://www.cnbc.com/2019/02/12/how-a-nationwide-protest-against-maduro-could-shape-venezuelas-future.html|title=How a nationwide protest against Maduro could shape Venezuela's future|author=Meredith, Sam|date= 12 February 2019|work=]|access-date=12 February 2019}}</ref> Other countries were divided between a neutral position, support for the National Assembly in general without endorsing Guaidó, and support for Maduro's presidency; internationally, support followed traditional geopolitical lines, with Russia, China, Iran, Syria, Cuba, and Turkey supporting Maduro, and the US, Canada, and most of Western Europe supporting Guaidó.<ref name=FamiliarGeo/><ref name=SlamsTrump>{{cite news |url= https://www.cnn.com/2019/01/24/americas/russia-turkey-china-support-nicolas-maduro-venezuela-intl/index.html |title= 'Pouring gas on fire': Russia slams Trump's stance in Venezuela |author= Britton, Bianca |publisher= CNN |date= 24 January 2019 |access-date= 25 February 2019}}</ref> | |||
The ] recognized Guaidó as interim president.<ref>{{cite news |title= EU parliament recognizes Guaido as Venezuelan interim president |url= https://www.reuters.com/article/us-venezuela-politics-eu/eu-parliament-recognizes-guaido-as-venezuelan-interim-president-idUSKCN1PP1HQ |access-date= 31 January 2019 |work=] |date= 31 January 2019}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|date=2021-01-21|title=MEPs: Juan Guaidó is the legitimate interim President of Venezuela|url=https://www.europarl.europa.eu/news/en/press-room/20210114IPR95633/meps-juan-guaido-is-the-legitimate-interim-president-of-venezuela|access-date=2021-01-25|website=]}}</ref> In 2019, the ] unanimously recognized the National Assembly,<ref name="POLITICO">{{cite news | author=Hanke, Jakob and Hans von der Burchard |title=Brussels caught off-guard by Venezuela's political turmoil |url=https://www.politico.eu/article/brussels-caught-off-guard-by-venezuelas-political-turmoil-nicolas-maduro/ |website=POLITICO |access-date= 26 January 2019 |date= 24 January 2019 |quote=In a declaration published late Wednesday, EU foreign policy chief Federica Mogherini said the EU ... “fully supports the national assembly as the democratically elected institution whose powers need to be restored and respected.” ... Kocijančič said Mogherini's statement had been “agreed with all 28 member states" ... }}</ref> but Italy dissented on recognizing Guaidó.<ref name="Reuters2019-02-04a">{{cite news |work=Reuters |title= Divided Italy blocks EU statement on recognizing Venezuela's Guaido |url= https://www.reuters.com/article/us-venezuela-politics-italy/divided-italy-blocks-eu-statement-on-recognizing-venezuelas-guaido-idUSKCN1PT15G|access-date=8 February 2019|date=4 February 2019}}</ref> In January 2021, the ] stopped recognizing Guaidó's claim, but still did not recognize Maduro as the legitimate president;<ref name=":24" /><ref>{{Cite news |date=2021-01-25 |title=EU states no longer recognise Guaido as Venezuela's interim president |language=en |work=Reuters |url=https://www.reuters.com/article/us-venezuela-politics-eu-idUSKBN29U1A3 |access-date=2023-01-05}}</ref> the ] reaffirmed its recognition of Guaidó as president,<ref name=":25" /><ref name=":26" /> and the EU threatened with further ].<ref name=":24" /> | |||
As of October 2020, Guaidó is recognized as the interim president of Venezuela by 57 countries,<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.venezuelablog.org/interactive-map-degrees-of-diplomatic-recognition-of-guaido-and-maduro/|title=Interactive Map: Degrees of Diplomatic Recognition of Guaidó and Maduro|last1=Martinez-Gugerli|first1=Kristen|date=15 October 2020|publisher=Venezuela Blog|accessdate=14 June 2022}}</ref> "including the US, Canada and most Latin American and European countries".<ref name=HowNation>{{Cite news|url=https://www.cnbc.com/2019/02/12/how-a-nationwide-protest-against-maduro-could-shape-venezuelas-future.html|title=How a nationwide protest against Maduro could shape Venezuela's future|author=Meredith, Sam|date= 12 February 2019|work=]|access-date=12 February 2019}}</ref> Other countries are divided between a neutral position, support for the National Assembly in general without endorsing Guaidó, and support for Maduro's presidency; internationally, support has followed traditional geopolitical lines, with Russia, China, Iran, Syria, Cuba, and Turkey supporting Maduro, and the US, Canada, and most of Western Europe supporting Guaidó.<ref name=FamiliarGeo/><ref name=SlamsTrump>{{cite news |url= https://www.cnn.com/2019/01/24/americas/russia-turkey-china-support-nicolas-maduro-venezuela-intl/index.html |title= 'Pouring gas on fire': Russia slams Trump's stance in Venezuela |author= Britton, Bianca |publisher= CNN |date= 24 January 2019 |access-date= 25 February 2019}}</ref> Moreover, the ] has continued to recognize the Maduro government as the legal representative of ] as of December 2019.<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.panorama.com.ve/politicayeconomia/ONU-respalda-credenciales-de-funcionarios-de-Maduro--20191219-0024.html|title=UN backs credentials of Maduro officials|date=19 December 2019|work=]|access-date=20 December 2019|language=es|archive-date=5 November 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201105205738/https://www.panorama.com.ve/politicayeconomia/ONU-respalda-credenciales-de-funcionarios-de-Maduro--20191219-0024.html|url-status=dead}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://undocs.org/en/A/74/572|title=Report of the Credentials Committee|publisher=United Nations General Assembly|access-date=29 January 2020}}</ref> | |||
The OAS approved a resolution on 10 January 2019 "to not recognize the legitimacy of Nicolás Maduro's new term".<ref name="OASPR10Ene">{{cite press release |url= http://www.oas.org/en/media_center/press_release.asp?sCodigo=E-001/19 |title= OAS Permanent Council Agrees 'to not recognize the legitimacy of Nicolas Maduro's new term' |publisher = Organization of American States |access-date= 27 January 2019 |date= 10 January 2019}}</ref> In a 24 January special OAS session, sixteen countries including the US recognized Guaidó as interim president, but they did not achieve the majority needed for a resolution.<ref name="ElTiempoOEA">{{cite news |url= https://www.eltiempo.com/mundo/eeuu-y-canada/en-la-oea-no-logran-mayoria-para-reconocer-a-guaido-como-presidente-318494 |title= En la OEA 16 países reconocen a Guaidó como presidente de Venezuela |work= El Tiempo |access-date= 27 January 2019 | date= 25 January 2019 |author= Gómez Maseri, Sergio |language=es}}</ref> The United Nations called for dialogue and deescalation of tension, but could not agree on any other path for resolving the crisis.<ref>{{Cite news |url= https://news.un.org/en/story/2019/01/1031382 |title= UN political chief calls for dialogue to ease tensions in Venezuela; Security Council divided over path to end crisis |work=UN News |date= 26 January 2019 |access-date=29 January 2019}}</ref> Twelve of the fourteen members of the ] recognize Guaidó;<ref name="PenceLATIMES">{{cite news |url= https://www.latimes.com/world/la-fg-venezuela-pence-20190225-story.html |work= Los Angeles Times |author= Kraul, Chris |date= 25 February 2019 |access-date= 25 February 2019 |title= Pence says U.S. will up the ante as it seeks ouster of Venezuelan President Maduro}}</ref> ]—on the day after she retired as head of the human rights subcommittee for the European Parliament—said that the ], jointly sponsored by Uruguay and Mexico, had been of no use and "has been an artifact that has served no purpose since it was created". She said there had been no progress on the 90-day deadline for elections that the group established when it was formed, and she considered that the Contact Group should be terminated and efforts coordinated through the Lima Group.<ref>{{cite news |url= http://www.el-nacional.com/noticias/mundo/beatriz-becerra-grupo-contacto-servido-para-nada-venezuela_279632 |publisher= El Nacional |date= 18 April 2019 |access-date= 18 April 2019 |language= es |title= Beatriz Becerra: El Grupo de Contacto no ha servido para nada en Venezuela |trans-title= Beatriz Becerra: The Contact Group has not served in Venezuela at all}}</ref> During the 49th ], on 27 June, Guaidó's presidency was recognized by the organization.<ref name="InfobaerespaldoUBN" /> | |||
The Venezuelan Observatory of Social Conflictivity stated that there were on average 69 ] during the first three months of 2019, for a total of 6,211 protests, representing a significant increase over previous years (157% of protests for the same period in 2018, and 395% relative to the number in 2017).<ref>{{cite web |url= https://www.observatoriodeconflictos.org.ve/tendencias-de-la-conflictividad/6-211-protestas-en-venezuela-durante-el-primer-trimestre-de-2019 |publisher= Venezuelan Observatory of Social Conflict |title= 6.211 protestas en Venezuela durante el primer trimestre de 2019 |date= 15 April 2019 |access-date= 17 April 2019 |trans-title= 6,211 protests in Venezuela during the first quarter of 2019}}</ref> | The Venezuelan Observatory of Social Conflictivity stated that there were on average 69 ] during the first three months of 2019, for a total of 6,211 protests, representing a significant increase over previous years (157% of protests for the same period in 2018, and 395% relative to the number in 2017).<ref>{{cite web |url= https://www.observatoriodeconflictos.org.ve/tendencias-de-la-conflictividad/6-211-protestas-en-venezuela-durante-el-primer-trimestre-de-2019 |publisher= Venezuelan Observatory of Social Conflict |title= 6.211 protestas en Venezuela durante el primer trimestre de 2019 |date= 15 April 2019 |access-date= 17 April 2019 |trans-title= 6,211 protests in Venezuela during the first quarter of 2019}}</ref> | ||
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Following the failed uprising on 30 April, support for Guaidó declined, attendance to his demonstrations subsided and participants in committees organized by Guaidó stated that there has been little progress.<ref name=reutersDissapointedVe>{{Cite news|url=https://www.reuters.com/article/us-venezuela-politics-analysis-idUSKCN1TW3ME|title=Disappointed Venezuelans lose patience with Guaido as Maduro hangs on|date=2 July 2019|work=]|access-date=3 July 2019|author1= Angus Berwick|author2= Mircely Guanipa}}</ref><ref name="RECOGdecline">{{bullet}}{{Cite web|url=https://politi.co/2J9PRjd|title=We are going to take over the premises|author=Rodríguez, Jesús A|date=8 May 2019|website=]|access-date=10 May 2019|quote=In Venezuela, though the number of people who say they recognize Guaidó as the legitimate president has dwindled to about 50 percent since January, his approval remains much stronger than Maduro's abysmal 4 percent.}} | Following the failed uprising on 30 April, support for Guaidó declined, attendance to his demonstrations subsided and participants in committees organized by Guaidó stated that there has been little progress.<ref name=reutersDissapointedVe>{{Cite news|url=https://www.reuters.com/article/us-venezuela-politics-analysis-idUSKCN1TW3ME|title=Disappointed Venezuelans lose patience with Guaido as Maduro hangs on|date=2 July 2019|work=]|access-date=3 July 2019|author1= Angus Berwick|author2= Mircely Guanipa}}</ref><ref name="RECOGdecline">{{bullet}}{{Cite web|url=https://politi.co/2J9PRjd|title=We are going to take over the premises|author=Rodríguez, Jesús A|date=8 May 2019|website=]|access-date=10 May 2019|quote=In Venezuela, though the number of people who say they recognize Guaidó as the legitimate president has dwindled to about 50 percent since January, his approval remains much stronger than Maduro's abysmal 4 percent.}} | ||
* {{cite news|url=https://www.chicagotribune.com/sns-tns-bc-venezuela-guaido-20190506-story.html|title=As Guaido's popularity in Venezuela begins to dwindle, what's next for the opposition?|author=Wyss, Jim|date=6 May 2019|work=]|access-date=10 May 2019|agency=]|quote=... last week's failed military uprising and a spate of violent but fruitless demonstrations have some wondering if Guaido, and the opposition at large, have what it takes to oust Maduro ... A poll released Monday by Caracas-based Meganalisis found that Guaido's approval ratings dropped to 50 percent, down from 84 percent in January. He's still far more popular than Maduro whose approval rating is at 4 percent but the precipitous drop can't be ignored ...}} | * {{cite news|url=https://www.chicagotribune.com/sns-tns-bc-venezuela-guaido-20190506-story.html|title=As Guaido's popularity in Venezuela begins to dwindle, what's next for the opposition?|author=Wyss, Jim|date=6 May 2019|work=]|access-date=10 May 2019|agency=]|quote=... last week's failed military uprising and a spate of violent but fruitless demonstrations have some wondering if Guaido, and the opposition at large, have what it takes to oust Maduro ... A poll released Monday by Caracas-based Meganalisis found that Guaido's approval ratings dropped to 50 percent, down from 84 percent in January. He's still far more popular than Maduro whose approval rating is at 4 percent but the precipitous drop can't be ignored ...|archive-date=10 May 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190510035820/https://www.chicagotribune.com/sns-tns-bc-venezuela-guaido-20190506-story.html|url-status=dead}} | ||
* {{cite news|url=https://www.cisiamo.info/mondo/2019/05/07/venezuela-gradimento-guaido/|title=Venezuela, il gradimento di Guaidò cala a picco: meno 34% in soli tre mesi|last1=Casoni|first1=Giampiero|date=7 May 2019|work=Ci Siamo|access-date=10 May 2019|language=it-IT|quote=The popularity of Juan Guaidò is in sharp decline and the 'liberator' of Venezuela seems to have exhausted the original propulsive thrust ... At the center of this drop in consensus, especially the failure (because of its failure) of the coup in recent weeks ...}}</ref> ''Reuters'' reported in June that analysts have predicted that Maduro would maintain his position as he gains confidence that his actions against the opposition go "relatively unpunished".<ref name=reutersDissapointedVe /> | * {{cite news|url=https://www.cisiamo.info/mondo/2019/05/07/venezuela-gradimento-guaido/|title=Venezuela, il gradimento di Guaidò cala a picco: meno 34% in soli tre mesi|last1=Casoni|first1=Giampiero|date=7 May 2019|work=Ci Siamo|access-date=10 May 2019|language=it-IT|quote=The popularity of Juan Guaidò is in sharp decline and the 'liberator' of Venezuela seems to have exhausted the original propulsive thrust ... At the center of this drop in consensus, especially the failure (because of its failure) of the coup in recent weeks ...|archive-date=10 May 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190510035824/https://www.cisiamo.info/mondo/2019/05/07/venezuela-gradimento-guaido/|url-status=dead}}</ref> ''Reuters'' reported in June that analysts have predicted that Maduro would maintain his position as he gains confidence that his actions against the opposition go "relatively unpunished".<ref name=reutersDissapointedVe /> | ||
By the end of 2019, support for Guaidó dropped, with protests organized by his movement resulting with low participation.<ref name="DWthousandsnovember" /><ref name="AJnovGuaidocalls" /><ref name="reutersmissedhismoment" /><ref>{{Cite news |date=2019-11-23 |title=After Venezuelan opposition call for mass rallies, street protests underwhelm |language=en |work=] |url=https://www.reuters.com/article/us-venezuela-politics-idUSKBN1XW209 |access-date=2019-12-04}}</ref> Pollster Datanálisis published figures showing that support for Guaidó decreased from 61% in February to 42% in November 2019.<ref name="reutersmissedhismoment" /> According to Jesús Seguías, the head of the Venezuelan analysis firm Datincorp, "For years Washington and the Venezuelan opposition have said that Nicolás Maduro, and before him Hugo Chávez, were weak and about to fall but it's clear that's not the case".<ref>{{Cite web |last=Wyss |first=Jim |date=30 October 2019 |title=South America's wretched month has been great for one man: Venezuela's Maduro |url=https://www.miamiherald.com/news/nation-world/world/americas/venezuela/article236791333.html |access-date=4 December 2019 |website=]}}</ref> Analyst Carlos Pina stated that as "he military support to President Maduro remains intact", the opposition will need to "rethink its strategy" and that "Guaidó has also been very limited in suggesting or proposing a strategy that could change the current ."<ref name="AJnovGuaidocalls" /> Into December 2019, Venezuelan pollster Meganálisis surveys showed that 10% of respondents approved of Guaidó, compared to 9% who supported Maduro.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Wyss |first=Jim |date=4 December 2019 |title=Poll shows Venezuela's Guaidó is losing popularity and has sunk to Maduro level |url=https://www.miamiherald.com/news/nation-world/world/americas/article238040219.html |access-date=9 December 2019 |website=]}}</ref> | |||
As of January 2023, following the opposition vote to dissolve Guaidó's interim government, the United States stopped recognizing Guaidó's presidential claim. A spokesperson for the ] and ] said that the US "recognized the National Assembly elected in 2015, which Guaidó had led, as Venezuela's 'only remaining democratically elected institution'."<ref name="Lawler"/> | |||
By the end of 2019, support for Guaidó dropped, with protests organized by his movement resulting with low participation.<ref name="DWthousandsnovember" /><ref name="AJnovGuaidocalls" /><ref name="reutersmissedhismoment" /><ref>{{Cite news |date=2019-11-23 |title=After Venezuelan opposition call for mass rallies, street protests underwhelm |language=en |work=] |url=https://www.reuters.com/article/us-venezuela-politics-idUSKBN1XW209 |access-date=2019-12-04}}</ref> Pollster Datanálisis published figures showing that support for Guaidó decreased from 61% in February to 42% in November 2019.<ref name="reutersmissedhismoment" /> According to Jesús Seguías, the head of the Venezuelan analysis firm Datincorp, "For years Washington and the Venezuelan opposition have said that Nicolás Maduro, and before him Hugo Chávez, were weak and about to fall but it’s clear that’s not the case".<ref>{{Cite web |last=Wyss |first=Jim |date=30 October 2019 |title=South America's wretched month has been great for one man: Venezuela's Maduro |url=https://www.miamiherald.com/news/nation-world/world/americas/venezuela/article236791333.html |access-date=4 December 2019 |website=]}}</ref> Analyst Carlos Pina stated that as "he military support to President Maduro remains intact", the opposition will need to "rethink its strategy" and that "Guaido has also been very limited in suggesting or proposing a strategy that could change the current ."<ref name="AJnovGuaidocalls" /> Into December 2019, Venezuelan pollster Meganálisis surveys showed that 10% of respondents approved of Guaidó, compared to 9% who supported Maduro.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Wyss |first=Jim |date=4 December 2019 |title=Poll shows Venezuela's Guaidó is losing popularity and has sunk to Maduro level |url=https://www.miamiherald.com/news/nation-world/world/americas/article238040219.html |access-date=9 December 2019 |website=]}}</ref> | |||
=== Defections === | === Defections === | ||
{{main|Venezuelan crisis defection}} | {{main|Venezuelan crisis defection}} | ||
The ''Miami Herald'' reported that dozens of arrests were made in anticipation of a military uprising, and Defense Minister ] ordered a counterintelligence effort to locate conspirators or possible defectors.<ref name="MHMilitary">{{cite news |url= https://www.miamiherald.com/news/nation-world/world/americas/venezuela/article225548780.html |work= Miami Herald |title= Venezuela's Nicolás Maduro orders multiple arrests within military to squelch dissent |author= Maria Delgado, Antonio |date= 5 February 2019 |access-date= 6 February 2019}}</ref> According to ''France 24'', Maduro declared "military deserters who fled to Colombia have become mercenaries" as part of a "US-backed coup".<ref name="France24TrumpDuque">{{cite news|url=https://www.france24.com/en/20190206-trump-discuss-venezuela-with-colombian-president-white-house|title=Trump to discuss Venezuela with Colombian president: White House|date=6 February 2019|work=France 24|access-date=6 February 2019}}</ref> Guaidó declared that the opposition had held secret meetings with military officials to discuss the ].<ref name=NYT31>{{cite news|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2019/01/31/world/americas/venezuelan-juan-guaido-military.html|title=Juan Guaidó says Venezuelan opposition had secret talks with military|website=New York Times|access-date=1 February 2019 |author= Specia, Megan and Nicholas Casey |date= 31 January 2019}}</ref> | The ''Miami Herald'' reported that dozens of arrests were made in anticipation of a military uprising, and Defense Minister ] ordered a counterintelligence effort to locate conspirators or possible defectors.<ref name="MHMilitary">{{cite news |url= https://www.miamiherald.com/news/nation-world/world/americas/venezuela/article225548780.html |work= Miami Herald |title= Venezuela's Nicolás Maduro orders multiple arrests within military to squelch dissent |author= Maria Delgado, Antonio |date= 5 February 2019 |access-date= 6 February 2019}}</ref> According to ''France 24'', Maduro declared "military deserters who fled to Colombia have become mercenaries" as part of a "US-backed coup".<ref name="France24TrumpDuque">{{cite news|url=https://www.france24.com/en/20190206-trump-discuss-venezuela-with-colombian-president-white-house|title=Trump to discuss Venezuela with Colombian president: White House|date=6 February 2019|work=France 24|access-date=6 February 2019}}</ref> Guaidó declared that the opposition had held secret meetings with military officials to discuss the ].<ref name=NYT31>{{cite news|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2019/01/31/world/americas/venezuelan-juan-guaido-military.html|title=Juan Guaidó says Venezuelan opposition had secret talks with military|website=The New York Times|access-date=1 February 2019 |author= Specia, Megan and Nicholas Casey |date= 31 January 2019}}</ref> | ||
], the head of ] for ten years during ]'s presidency and "one of the government's most prominent figures",<ref name=CarvajalNYT>{{cite news |title= Venezuela's Ex-Spy Chief Breaks With Maduro: 'You Have Killed Hundreds' |author= Herrero, Ana Vanessa and Nicholas Casey |work= New York Times |edition= Late Edition (East Coast) |date= 22 February 2019 |page= A.6 |via=ProQuest}} Also </ref> publicly broke with Maduro and endorsed Guaidó as acting president.<ref name=CarvajalWSJ>{{Cite news |title= Venezuelan Official Breaks With Maduro; Hugo Carvajal, the former military-intelligence chief, pledges support for opposition leader Juan Guaidó and says humanitarian aid should be let into the country |author=Dube, Ryan and Kejal Vyas|date= 21 February 2019|work=Wall Street Journal| via= ProQuest}} Also available </ref> During the ], Manuel Cristopher Figuera, the Director General of Venezuela's National Intelligence Service, ], broke with Maduro.<ref name=":0" /><ref name= SecretBreaks>{{cite news |url= https://www.foxnews.com/world/venezuela-secret-police-head-breaks-with-maduro |publisher= |
], the head of ] for ten years during ]'s presidency and "one of the government's most prominent figures",<ref name=CarvajalNYT>{{cite news |title= Venezuela's Ex-Spy Chief Breaks With Maduro: 'You Have Killed Hundreds' |author= Herrero, Ana Vanessa and Nicholas Casey |work= New York Times |edition= Late Edition (East Coast) |date= 22 February 2019 |page= A.6 |via=ProQuest}} Also </ref> publicly broke with Maduro and endorsed Guaidó as acting president.<ref name=CarvajalWSJ>{{Cite news |title= Venezuelan Official Breaks With Maduro; Hugo Carvajal, the former military-intelligence chief, pledges support for opposition leader Juan Guaidó and says humanitarian aid should be let into the country |author=Dube, Ryan and Kejal Vyas|date= 21 February 2019|work=The Wall Street Journal| via= ProQuest}} Also available </ref> During the ], Manuel Cristopher Figuera, the Director General of Venezuela's National Intelligence Service, ], broke with Maduro.<ref name=":0" /><ref name= SecretBreaks>{{cite news |url= https://www.foxnews.com/world/venezuela-secret-police-head-breaks-with-maduro |publisher= Fox News |date= 30 April 2019 |access-date= 1 May 2019 |title= Head of Venezuela's secret police breaks with Maduro |author= Chamberlain, Samuel}}</ref> | ||
Certain top military figures recognized Guaidó,<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.lapatilla.com/2019/02/02/en-video-general-de-division-del-alto-mando-militar-de-la-aviacion-reconoce-a-guaido-como-presidente-e/|title=EN VIDEO: General de división del Alto Mando Militar de la aviación reconoce a Guaidó como presidente (e)|date=2 February 2019|website=]|language=es-ES|access-date=2 February 2019}}<br />* {{Cite news|url=http://www.el-nacional.com/noticias/politica/general-fuerza-aerea-envio-mensaje-personal-militar_269281|title=General de la Fuerza Aérea envió un mensaje al personal militar|date=2 February 2019|work=El Nacional|access-date=3 February 2019|language=es}}<br />* {{cite web|url=http://www.lapatilla.com/2019/02/02/mayor-general-jorge-oropeza-se-pronuncia-contra-el-regimen-de-maduro-y-en-respaldo-a-guaido-video/|title=Mayor General Jorge Oropeza se pronuncia contra el régimen de Maduro y en respaldo a Guaidó (VIDEO)|date=2 February 2019|website=]|language=es|access-date=3 February 2019}}</ref><ref name= GeneralAlexis>{{cite news |url= https://www.lanacion.com.ar/2222999-67-militares-cambian-de-bando-y-un-general-de-peso-reconoce-a-guaido-como-presidente |work= La Nacion |language= es |title= 67 militares cambian de bando y un general de peso reconoce a Guaidó como presidente |author= Lozano, Daniel |date= 23 February 2019 |access-date= 27 February 2019}}<br />* {{cite news |last1=Oatis |first1=Jonathan |last2=Adler |first2=Leslie |title=U.S.-sanctioned Venezuelan defects to Colombia, slams Maduro |url=https://www.reuters.com/article/us-venezuela-politics-general/u-s-sanctioned-venezuelan-defects-to-colombia-slams-maduro-idUSKCN1QZ1YB?il=0 |access-date=19 March 2019 |work=Reuters |date=18 March 2019}}</ref> and around 1,400 military personnel have defected to Colombia, but the top military command stays loyal to the government.<ref name="Faltered">{{cite news|author=Guy, Jack|url=https://www.cnn.com/2019/05/03/americas/venezuela-lopez-opposition-intl/index.html|title=Venezuela's Leopoldo Lopez says he met generals during house arrest|date=3 May 2019|access-date=3 May 2019|publisher=CNN}}</ref> | Certain top military figures recognized Guaidó,<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.lapatilla.com/2019/02/02/en-video-general-de-division-del-alto-mando-militar-de-la-aviacion-reconoce-a-guaido-como-presidente-e/|title=EN VIDEO: General de división del Alto Mando Militar de la aviación reconoce a Guaidó como presidente (e)|date=2 February 2019|website=]|language=es-ES|access-date=2 February 2019}}<br />* {{Cite news|url=http://www.el-nacional.com/noticias/politica/general-fuerza-aerea-envio-mensaje-personal-militar_269281|title=General de la Fuerza Aérea envió un mensaje al personal militar|date=2 February 2019|work=El Nacional|access-date=3 February 2019|language=es}}<br />* {{cite web|url=http://www.lapatilla.com/2019/02/02/mayor-general-jorge-oropeza-se-pronuncia-contra-el-regimen-de-maduro-y-en-respaldo-a-guaido-video/|title=Mayor General Jorge Oropeza se pronuncia contra el régimen de Maduro y en respaldo a Guaidó (VIDEO)|date=2 February 2019|website=]|language=es|access-date=3 February 2019}}</ref><ref name= GeneralAlexis>{{cite news |url= https://www.lanacion.com.ar/2222999-67-militares-cambian-de-bando-y-un-general-de-peso-reconoce-a-guaido-como-presidente |work= La Nacion |language= es |title= 67 militares cambian de bando y un general de peso reconoce a Guaidó como presidente |author= Lozano, Daniel |date= 23 February 2019 |access-date= 27 February 2019 |archive-date= 28 February 2019 |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20190228010055/https://www.lanacion.com.ar/2222999-67-militares-cambian-de-bando-y-un-general-de-peso-reconoce-a-guaido-como-presidente |url-status= dead }}<br />* {{cite news |last1=Oatis |first1=Jonathan |last2=Adler |first2=Leslie |title=U.S.-sanctioned Venezuelan defects to Colombia, slams Maduro |url=https://www.reuters.com/article/us-venezuela-politics-general/u-s-sanctioned-venezuelan-defects-to-colombia-slams-maduro-idUSKCN1QZ1YB?il=0 |access-date=19 March 2019 |work=Reuters |date=18 March 2019 }}</ref> and around 1,400 military personnel have defected to Colombia, but the top military command stays loyal to the government.<ref name="Faltered">{{cite news|author=Guy, Jack|url=https://www.cnn.com/2019/05/03/americas/venezuela-lopez-opposition-intl/index.html|title=Venezuela's Leopoldo Lopez says he met generals during house arrest|date=3 May 2019|access-date=3 May 2019|publisher=CNN}}</ref> | ||
Following the 23 January events, some Venezuelan diplomats in the United States supported Guaidó; the majority returned to Venezuela on Maduro's orders.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.elnuevoherald.com/noticias/mundo/america-latina/venezuela-es/article225227915.html|title=Otra diplomática venezolana en EEUU reconoce a Guaidó como presidente|date=29 January 2019|website=]|language=es|access-date=1 February 2019}}</ref> | Following the 23 January events, some Venezuelan diplomats in the United States supported Guaidó; the majority returned to Venezuela on Maduro's orders.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.elnuevoherald.com/noticias/mundo/america-latina/venezuela-es/article225227915.html|title=Otra diplomática venezolana en EEUU reconoce a Guaidó como presidente|date=29 January 2019|website=]|language=es|access-date=1 February 2019}}</ref> | ||
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Guaidó has said he would call for intervention "when the time comes", but in media interviews, he has not stated he supports removing Maduro by force.<ref name="Fiorella" /> The National Assembly approved in July 2019 the reincorporation of Venezuela to the ], a mutual defense pact signed in 1947 that has never been enacted and from which Venezuela retired in 2013.<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.reuters.com/article/us-venezuela-politics-idUSKCN1UI2JX|title=Venezuela rejoins regional defense treaty but Guaido warns it's no 'magic' solution|date=23 July 2019|work=Reuters|access-date=23 July 2019}}</ref><ref name="BBCTIAR">{{cite news|url=https://www.bbc.com/mundo/noticias-america-latina-48186726|title=Crisis en Venezuela: qué es el TIAR, el pacto interamericano de defensa mutua al que quiere sumarse la oposición de Venezuela|date=7 May 2019|access-date=8 May 2019|publisher=BBC|language=es|trans-title=Crisis in Venezuela: what is TIAR, the inter-American pact of mutual defense which Venezuela's opposition wants to join}}</ref> Venezuela's reincorporation to the pact "can be used to request military assistance against foreign troops inside the country."<ref name="EUTIAR">{{cite news |url= http://www.eluniversal.com/politica/39442/an-aprueba-reintegracion-de-venezuela-al-tiar |work= El Universal |date= 8 May 2019 |access-date= 8 May 2019 |language= es |title= AN aprueba reintegración de Venezuela al TIAR |author= Sayago, Gabriel |trans-title= NA approves reintegration of Venezuela to the TIAR}}</ref> | Guaidó has said he would call for intervention "when the time comes", but in media interviews, he has not stated he supports removing Maduro by force.<ref name="Fiorella" /> The National Assembly approved in July 2019 the reincorporation of Venezuela to the ], a mutual defense pact signed in 1947 that has never been enacted and from which Venezuela retired in 2013.<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.reuters.com/article/us-venezuela-politics-idUSKCN1UI2JX|title=Venezuela rejoins regional defense treaty but Guaido warns it's no 'magic' solution|date=23 July 2019|work=Reuters|access-date=23 July 2019}}</ref><ref name="BBCTIAR">{{cite news|url=https://www.bbc.com/mundo/noticias-america-latina-48186726|title=Crisis en Venezuela: qué es el TIAR, el pacto interamericano de defensa mutua al que quiere sumarse la oposición de Venezuela|date=7 May 2019|access-date=8 May 2019|publisher=BBC|language=es|trans-title=Crisis in Venezuela: what is TIAR, the inter-American pact of mutual defense which Venezuela's opposition wants to join}}</ref> Venezuela's reincorporation to the pact "can be used to request military assistance against foreign troops inside the country."<ref name="EUTIAR">{{cite news |url= http://www.eluniversal.com/politica/39442/an-aprueba-reintegracion-de-venezuela-al-tiar |work= El Universal |date= 8 May 2019 |access-date= 8 May 2019 |language= es |title= AN aprueba reintegración de Venezuela al TIAR |author= Sayago, Gabriel |trans-title= NA approves reintegration of Venezuela to the TIAR}}</ref> | ||
In a 4 December 2019 interview with ], Guaidó stated: "We sense a firm commitment from the United States. I think |
In a 4 December 2019 interview with ], Guaidó stated: "We sense a firm commitment from the United States. I think they're doing everything they could be doing under these circumstances, as are Colombia and Brazil."<ref name="voxfailedtodepose">{{Cite web |last=Ward |first=Alex |date=2019-12-06 |title=Venezuela's opposition leader failed to depose Maduro. He explains why he's not giving up. |url=https://www.vox.com/world/2019/12/6/20998988/venezuela-juan-guaido-interview-maduro-trump |access-date=2019-12-09 |website=] |language=en}}</ref> When asked if he was nearer from removing Maduro from power than in January 2019, Guaidó replied: "Absolutely. Back then we didn't have multiple countries recognizing and supporting us. Today, we have way more tools at our disposal than we did one year ago."<ref name="voxfailedtodepose" /> ] reported two days later that the ] began to doubt that an opposition led by Guaidó would remove Maduro from office.<ref name="bloombergtrumprevisitsv" /> The United States reportedly had no military option regarding Venezuela, although it began to debate on whether to partner with Russia to encourage Maduro to leave office or to increase pressure on Cuba, which is the Maduro government's main supporter.<ref name="bloombergtrumprevisitsv" /> | ||
==== Cuban presence ==== | ==== Cuban presence ==== | ||
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=== Assets and reserves === | === Assets and reserves === | ||
Venezuela's third-largest export (after crude oil and refined petroleum products) is gold.<ref name=CCN>{{cite news |url= https://www.ccn.com/venezuela-maduro-340-million-gold-8-tons |title= Maduro scoops 8 Tons of Venezuelan Central Bank gold for illegal $340 million cash swap |work= CCN Norway |author= Emen, Mark |date= 1 March 2019 |access-date= 20 March 2019}}</ref> The ] reported in January 2019 that Venezuela's foreign-held gold reserves had fallen by 69% to US$8.4 billion during Maduro's presidency.<ref name=BloombergGoldBars>{{cite news |author= Millan Lombrana, Laura |title= In Maduro's Venezuela, even counting gold bars is a challenge |work= Bloomberg Wire Service |date= 31 January 2019 |via= ProQuest}}</ref> In 2018, Maduro's government exported $900 million worth of gold out of Venezuela into ]'s Turkey.<ref>{{cite news |title=As gold trade booms, Venezuela eyes stronger Turkey ties |url=https://www.aljazeera.com/indepth/features/gold-trade-booms-venezuela-eyes-stronger-turkey-ties-190117084423511.html |work=Al-Jazeera |date=17 January 2019|access-date= 2 May 2019}}</ref> In April 2019, Rubio warned the United Arab Emirates and Turkey not be "accomplices" in the "outrageous crime" of exporting Venezuela's gold.<ref>{{cite news |title=Turkey warned over Venezuela gold trade |url=https://www.bbc.com/news/world-europe-47092784 |publisher=BBC News |date=2 February 2019 |access-date= 2 May 2019 |author= Lowen, Mark}}</ref> | Venezuela's third-largest export (after crude oil and refined petroleum products) is gold.<ref name=CCN>{{cite news |url= https://www.ccn.com/venezuela-maduro-340-million-gold-8-tons |title= Maduro scoops 8 Tons of Venezuelan Central Bank gold for illegal $340 million cash swap |work= CCN Norway |author= Emen, Mark |date= 1 March 2019 |access-date= 20 March 2019}}</ref> The ] reported in January 2019 that Venezuela's foreign-held gold reserves had fallen by 69% to US$8.4 billion during Maduro's presidency.<ref name=BloombergGoldBars>{{cite news |author= Millan Lombrana, Laura |title= In Maduro's Venezuela, even counting gold bars is a challenge |work= Bloomberg Wire Service |date= 31 January 2019 |via= ProQuest}}</ref> In 2018, Maduro's government exported $900 million worth of gold out of Venezuela into ]'s Turkey.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Oner |first=Imdat |title=Venezuela, Turkey using gold to evade U.S. sanctions |website=] |url=https://www.miamiherald.com/opinion/op-ed/article224594180.html }}</ref><ref>{{cite news |title=As gold trade booms, Venezuela eyes stronger Turkey ties |url=https://www.aljazeera.com/indepth/features/gold-trade-booms-venezuela-eyes-stronger-turkey-ties-190117084423511.html |work=Al-Jazeera |date=17 January 2019|access-date= 2 May 2019}}</ref> In April 2019, Rubio warned the United Arab Emirates and Turkey not be "accomplices" in the "outrageous crime" of exporting Venezuela's gold.<ref>{{cite news |title=Turkey warned over Venezuela gold trade |url=https://www.bbc.com/news/world-europe-47092784 |publisher=BBC News |date=2 February 2019 |access-date= 2 May 2019 |author= Lowen, Mark}}</ref> | ||
In mid-December 2018, a Venezuelan delegation went to London to arrange for the ] to return the $1.2 billion in gold bullion that Venezuela stores at the bank. Unnamed sources told Bloomberg that the Bank of England declined the transfer due to a request from US Secretary of State Pompeo and National Security Adviser Bolton, who wanted to "cut off the regime from its overseas assets".<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2019-01-28/u-k-leaves-fate-of-venezuela-s-gold-up-to-the-bank-of-england|title=U.K. Leaves Fate of Venezuela's Gold Up to the Bank of England|author=Biggs, Stuart and Jess Shankleman|date=29 January 2019|access-date=19 February 2019|publisher=Bloomberg|quote= According to a person familiar with the matter, the BOE declined the withdrawal request after U.S. Secretary of State Michael Pompeo and National Security Adviser John Bolton lobbied their U.K. counterparts to help cut off the regime from its overseas assets.}}</ref> In his memoir '']'', Bolton said UK Foreign Minister ] was "delighted to cooperate on steps they could take, for example freezing Venezuela's gold deposits in the Bank of England, so the regime could not sell the gold to keep itself going".<ref>{{cite book |last1=Bolton |first1=John R. |title=The room where it happened : a White House memoir |date=2020 |location=New York |isbn=9781982148058 |pages=257 |edition=First Simon & Schuster hardcover |url=https:// |
In mid-December 2018, a Venezuelan delegation went to London to arrange for the ] to return the $1.2 billion in gold bullion that Venezuela stores at the bank. Unnamed sources told Bloomberg that the Bank of England declined the transfer due to a request from US Secretary of State Pompeo and National Security Adviser Bolton, who wanted to "cut off the regime from its overseas assets".<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2019-01-28/u-k-leaves-fate-of-venezuela-s-gold-up-to-the-bank-of-england|title=U.K. Leaves Fate of Venezuela's Gold Up to the Bank of England|author=Biggs, Stuart and Jess Shankleman|date=29 January 2019|access-date=19 February 2019|publisher=Bloomberg|quote= According to a person familiar with the matter, the BOE declined the withdrawal request after U.S. Secretary of State Michael Pompeo and National Security Adviser John Bolton lobbied their U.K. counterparts to help cut off the regime from its overseas assets.}}</ref> In his memoir '']'', Bolton said UK Foreign Minister ] was "delighted to cooperate on steps they could take, for example freezing Venezuela's gold deposits in the Bank of England, so the regime could not sell the gold to keep itself going".<ref>{{cite book |last1=Bolton |first1=John R. |title=The room where it happened : a White House memoir |date=2020 |location=New York |isbn=9781982148058 |pages=257 |edition=First Simon & Schuster hardcover |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=QjTMDwAAQBAJ |access-date=14 April 2021}}</ref> In an interview with the BBC, Maduro asked Britain to return the gold instead of sending humanitarian aid, saying that the gold was "legally Venezuela's, it belongs to the ]" and could be used to solve the country's problems. Guaidó asked the British government to ensure that the Bank of England does not provide the gold to the Maduro government. Maduro also said that the US has frozen $10 billion in Venezuelan accounts through its sanctions.<ref name=UKGold>{{cite news|url=https://news.yahoo.com/maduro-calls-return-venezuelas-uk-deposited-gold-165317545.html|title=Maduro calls for return of Venezuela's UK-deposited gold|date=13 February 2019|access-date=19 February 2019|publisher=Yahoo}}</ref> | ||
In mid-February 2019, a National Assembly legislator Ángel Alvarado said that eight tonnes of gold worth over US$340 million<ref name=CCN/> had been taken from the vault while the head of the Central Bank was abroad.<ref name=8tons>{{cite news |url= https://www.reuters.com/article/us-venezuela-gold-exclusive/exclusive-venezuela-removed-8-tons-of-central-bank-gold-last-week-legislator-idUSKCN1QG2QG |title= Exclusive: Venezuela removed 8 tons of central bank gold last week |
In mid-February 2019, a National Assembly legislator Ángel Alvarado said that eight tonnes of gold worth over US$340 million<ref name=CCN/> had been taken from the vault while the head of the Central Bank was abroad.<ref name=8tons>{{cite news |url= https://www.reuters.com/article/us-venezuela-gold-exclusive/exclusive-venezuela-removed-8-tons-of-central-bank-gold-last-week-legislator-idUSKCN1QG2QG |title= Exclusive: Venezuela removed 8 tons of central bank gold last week – legislator |author= Pons, Corina and Mayela Armas |work= Reuters |date= 27 February 2019 |access-date= 20 March 2019}}</ref> In March, Ugandan investigators reported that the gold could have been smuggled into that country.<ref>{{cite news |url= https://af.reuters.com/article/topNews/idAFKCN1QV0TG-OZATP |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20190402154542/https://af.reuters.com/article/topNews/idAFKCN1QV0TG-OZATP |url-status= dead |archive-date= 2 April 2019 |date= 14 March 2019 |title= Uganda probes refinery over alleged smuggling of gold |author= Biryabarema, Elias |work= Reuters |access-date= 20 March 2019}}</ref> Government sources said another eight tonnes of gold was taken out of the Central Bank in the first week of April 2019; the government source said that there were 100 tonnes left. The gold was removed while minimal staff was present and the bank was not fully operational because of the ]; the destination of the gold was not known.<ref>{{cite news |url= https://www.reuters.com/article/us-venezuela-gold/exclusive-venezuela-removes-eight-tonnes-of-gold-from-central-bank-sources-idUSKCN1RL247 |publisher= Reuters |date= 9 April 2019 |access-date= 9 April 2019|title= Exclusive: Venezuela removes eight tonnes of gold from central bank – sources |author= Armas, Mayela}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |url= https://www.voanoticias.com/a/denuncia-que-gobierno-en-disputa-de-venezuela-saca-otras-ocho-toneladas-de-oro-del-banco-central/4868771.html |work= VOA News |publisher= Reuters |language= es |date= 9 April 2019 |access-date= 9 April 2019 |title= Denuncian retiro de más lingotes de oro del Banco Central de Venezuela}}</ref> | ||
In 2009, Venezuela's ] peaked at US$43 billion; by July 2017, they had fallen below $10 billion "for the first time in 15 years",<ref>{{cite news |url= https://www.ft.com/content/33efd9ce-625c-11e7-91a7-502f7ee26895 |work= Financial Times |date= 14 July 2017 |access-date= 10 April 2019 |title= Venezuela's crisis drains its foreign reserves|quote= Venezuela's foreign reserves have dropped below $10bn for the first time in 15 years as chronic mismanagement, corruption and subdued oil prices continue to batter what used to be the wealthiest country in South America. The reserves stood at $9.983bn, according to figures published on Friday from the central bank, representing a 77 per cent decrease since January 2009 when they hit a peak of $43bn.}}</ref> and as of March 2019, they had dropped to US$8 billion.<ref name=PayConoco>{{cite news |url= https://abcnews.go.com/International/wireStory/world-bank-venezuela-pay-conoco-billion-61567799 |title= World Bank: Venezuela must pay Conoco more than $8 billion |author= Lugo, Luis Alonso |work= ABC News |publisher= Associated Press |date= 8 March 2019 |access-date= 6 April 2019}}</ref> About two-thirds of Venezuela's reserves are in gold.<ref name=CutOffIMF>{{cite news |url= https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2019-04-10/imf-freezes-venezuela-funds-as-members-debate-who-s-president |publisher= Bloomberg |date= 10 April 2019 |access-date= 10 April 2019 |title= Maduro is cut off from $400 million in cash held at the IMF |author= Arrioja, Jose Enrique and Ben Bartenstein |quote= The International Monetary Fund suspended the Venezuelan |
In 2009, Venezuela's ] peaked at US$43 billion; by July 2017, they had fallen below $10 billion "for the first time in 15 years",<ref>{{cite news |url= https://www.ft.com/content/33efd9ce-625c-11e7-91a7-502f7ee26895 |work= Financial Times |date= 14 July 2017 |access-date= 10 April 2019 |title= Venezuela's crisis drains its foreign reserves|quote= Venezuela's foreign reserves have dropped below $10bn for the first time in 15 years as chronic mismanagement, corruption and subdued oil prices continue to batter what used to be the wealthiest country in South America. The reserves stood at $9.983bn, according to figures published on Friday from the central bank, representing a 77 per cent decrease since January 2009 when they hit a peak of $43bn.}}</ref> and as of March 2019, they had dropped to US$8 billion.<ref name=PayConoco>{{cite news |url= https://abcnews.go.com/International/wireStory/world-bank-venezuela-pay-conoco-billion-61567799 |title= World Bank: Venezuela must pay Conoco more than $8 billion |author= Lugo, Luis Alonso |work= ABC News |publisher= Associated Press |date= 8 March 2019 |access-date= 6 April 2019}}</ref> About two-thirds of Venezuela's reserves are in gold.<ref name=CutOffIMF>{{cite news |url= https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2019-04-10/imf-freezes-venezuela-funds-as-members-debate-who-s-president |publisher= Bloomberg |date= 10 April 2019 |access-date= 10 April 2019 |title= Maduro is cut off from $400 million in cash held at the IMF |author= Arrioja, Jose Enrique and Ben Bartenstein |quote= The International Monetary Fund suspended the Venezuelan leader's access to almost $400 million of special drawing rights, citing political chaos since National Assembly President Juan Guaido claimed in January that he was the nation's rightful leader, said two people familiar with the matter. Venezuela already whittled its SDR holdings down from almost $1 billion in March 2018. Almost two-thirds of Venezuela's $9 billion in foreign reserves are in the form of gold, which has been difficult to liquidate because of U.S. sanctions.}}</ref> Part of Venezuela's remaining reserves are held by the ] (IMF) in financial instruments called ]. In 2018, Venezuela had almost $1 billion in IMF SDRs, but it had drawn US$600 million in one year. To access SDR reserves, IMF rules require than a government be recognized by a majority of IMF members, and there is no majority recognition for either man claiming the Venezuelan presidency; the IMF denied Maduro access to the remaining US$400 million—"one of the regime's last remaining sources of cash" according to Bloomberg.<ref name= CutOffIMF/> The IMF has not recognized Guaidó;<ref>{{cite news|url=https://uk.reuters.com/article/us-imf-worldbank-venezuela/venezuela-leadership-issue-still-blocking-imf-world-bank-aid-idUKKCN1RN1TH|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190412090428/https://uk.reuters.com/article/us-imf-worldbank-venezuela/venezuela-leadership-issue-still-blocking-imf-world-bank-aid-idUKKCN1RN1TH|url-status=dead|archive-date=12 April 2019|title=Venezuela leadership issue still blocking IMF, World Bank aid|date=11 April 2019|access-date=14 April 2019|author=Campos, Rodrigo|author2=Lawder, David|publisher=] UK}}</ref> ]—Guaidó's representative recognized by the ]—said the "IMF is safeguarding the assets until a new government takes over. 'Those funds will be available when this usurpation ends.'" The US has given Guaidó control of "key Venezuelan bank accounts",<ref name=CutOffIMF/> and has said it will give Guaidó control of US assets once his administration is in power.<ref name= UKGold/> | ||
The Portuguese bank ] stopped Maduro's attempt to transfer over US$1 billion<ref>{{cite news |url= https://lta.reuters.com/articulo/idLTAKCN1PT210 |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20190205084651/https://lta.reuters.com/articulo/idLTAKCN1PT210 |url-status= dead |archive-date= 5 February 2019 |publisher= Reuters |date= 4 February 2019 |access-date= 10 April 2019 |title= Maduro intenta mover hasta 1.200 mln dlr a Uruguay: líder opositor Venezuela |language= es}}</ref> through ] subsidiary, Banco Bandes Uruguay, in early 2019.{{citation needed|date=September 2020}} |
The Portuguese bank ] stopped Maduro's attempt to transfer over US$1 billion<ref>{{cite news |url= https://lta.reuters.com/articulo/idLTAKCN1PT210 |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20190205084651/https://lta.reuters.com/articulo/idLTAKCN1PT210 |url-status= dead |archive-date= 5 February 2019 |publisher= Reuters |date= 4 February 2019 |access-date= 10 April 2019 |title= Maduro intenta mover hasta 1.200 mln dlr a Uruguay: líder opositor Venezuela |language= es}}</ref> through ] subsidiary, Banco Bandes Uruguay, in early 2019.{{citation needed|date=September 2020}} Over two months later, Maduro responded that Portugal had illegally blocked the money, and asked that it be returned to buy food and medicine.<ref>{{cite news |url= https://www.ntn24.com/america-latina/venezuela/maduro-pide-portugal-devolver-venezuela-1700-millones-de-dolares-para |publisher= NTN24 |date= 17 April 2019 |access-date= 17 April 2019 |language= es |title= Maduro pide a Portugal devolver a Venezuela 1.700 millones de dólares para medicinas |trans-title= Maduro asks Portugal to return to Venezuela $1.700 million for medicine}}</ref> | ||
In 2020, the English High Court ruled in favor of Juan Guaidó in a hearing over whether Guaidó or Nicolás Maduro should control $1 billion of its gold stored in the Bank of London.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.reuters.com/article/us-venezuela-gold-britain/uk-court-recognises-guaido-as-venezuelas-president-in-gold-dispute-idUSKBN2431CG|title=UK court recognises Guaido as Venezuela's president in gold dispute|work=Reuters|date= 2 July 2020}}</ref> | In 2020, the English High Court ruled in favor of Juan Guaidó in a hearing over whether Guaidó or Nicolás Maduro should control $1 billion of its gold stored in the Bank of London.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.reuters.com/article/us-venezuela-gold-britain/uk-court-recognises-guaido-as-venezuelas-president-in-gold-dispute-idUSKBN2431CG|title=UK court recognises Guaido as Venezuela's president in gold dispute|work=Reuters|date= 2 July 2020}}</ref> | ||
In 2022, the ] ruled in favor of Juan Guaidó again regarding the control of the gold stored in the Bank of London.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Venezuelan opposition government wins another round in U.K. gold dispute |url=https://www.law.com/international-edition/2022/07/29/uk-high-court-again-favors-venezuelan-opposition-in-2b-gold-case/ |access-date=2022-08-10 |website=Law.com International |language=en-us}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |date=2022-07-29 |title=Bank of England $1 Billion Gold Cache Not Maduro's, Says Judge |language=en |work=] |url=https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2022-07-29/bank-of-england-1-billion-gold-cache-not-maduro-s-says-judge |access-date=2022-08-10}}</ref> | |||
=== Sanctions === | === Sanctions === | ||
{{main|International sanctions during the Venezuelan crisis|U.S. sanctions during the Venezuelan crisis}} | |||
]{{legend|#242d7eff|Venezuela}}{{Legend|#11b060ff|Countries that introduced sanctions}}{{Legend|darkgreen|European Union-countries that have collectively introduced sanctions}}{{Legend|lime|Non-EU European countries that aligned with EU sanctions}}{{legend|#ff0000ff|Countries introducing entry bans on Maduro government officials}}]] | ]{{legend|#242d7eff|Venezuela}}{{Legend|#11b060ff|Countries that introduced sanctions}}{{Legend|darkgreen|European Union-countries that have collectively introduced sanctions}}{{Legend|lime|Non-EU European countries that aligned with EU sanctions}}{{legend|#ff0000ff|Countries introducing entry bans on Maduro government officials}}]] | ||
{{main|International sanctions during the Venezuelan crisis}} | |||
During the ], the United States, Canada, Mexico, Panama, Switzerland individually, and the countries of the European Union collectively, have applied sanctions against people associated with Maduro's administration, including government officials, members of the military and security forces, and private individuals.<ref name=SancElites>{{cite news |url= https://www.pri.org/stories/2019-01-31/us-sanctions-squeezed-venezuelas-chavismo-elites-time-its-oil |work= Public Radio International |title= US sanctions squeezed Venezuela's Chavismo elites. This time, it's oil |date= 31 January 2019 |author= Vidal, Laura and Jessica Carrillo Mazzali}}</ref> As of 27 March 2018, the Washington Office on Latin America said 78 Venezuelans associated with Maduro had been sanctioned by several countries.<ref name= PanamaSanctions>{{cite news |url= http://www.laht.com/article.asp?ArticleId=2453678&CategoryId=10717 |work= Latin American Herald Tribune |date= 27 March 2018 |access-date= 3 April 2019 |title= Panama sanctions Venezuela, including Maduro & 1st Lady family companies |author= Camacho, Carlos |archive-date= 24 February 2021 |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20210224235201/http://www.laht.com/article.asp?ArticleId=2453678&CategoryId=10717 |url-status= dead }}</ref> Through April 2019, the U.S. sanctioned more than 150 companies, vessels and individuals, in addition to revoking visas of 718 individuals associated with Maduro.<ref name="IsolateMaduro">{{cite news|url=https://www.apnews.com/b0c023c3897f402a93f54481d63b175a|title=Treasury sanctions Venezuelan business to isolate Maduro|date=12 April 2019|access-date=12 April 2019|publisher=AP News}}</ref> | During the ], the United States, Canada, Mexico, Panama, Switzerland individually, and the countries of the European Union collectively, have applied sanctions against people associated with Maduro's administration, including government officials, members of the military and security forces, and private individuals.<ref name=SancElites>{{cite news |url= https://www.pri.org/stories/2019-01-31/us-sanctions-squeezed-venezuelas-chavismo-elites-time-its-oil |work= Public Radio International |title= US sanctions squeezed Venezuela's Chavismo elites. This time, it's oil |date= 31 January 2019 |author= Vidal, Laura and Jessica Carrillo Mazzali}}</ref> As of 27 March 2018, the Washington Office on Latin America said 78 Venezuelans associated with Maduro had been sanctioned by several countries.<ref name= PanamaSanctions>{{cite news |url= http://www.laht.com/article.asp?ArticleId=2453678&CategoryId=10717 |work= Latin American Herald Tribune |date= 27 March 2018 |access-date= 3 April 2019 |title= Panama sanctions Venezuela, including Maduro & 1st Lady family companies |author= Camacho, Carlos |archive-date= 24 February 2021 |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20210224235201/http://www.laht.com/article.asp?ArticleId=2453678&CategoryId=10717 |url-status= dead }}</ref> | ||
On 15 January 2019, the National Assembly approved legislation to work with dozens of foreign countries to request that these nations freeze Maduro administration bank accounts.<ref name="Reuters"/> | |||
Through April 2019, the U.S. sanctioned more than 150 companies, vessels and individuals, in addition to revoking visas of 718 individuals associated with Maduro.<ref name="IsolateMaduro">{{cite news|url=https://www.apnews.com/b0c023c3897f402a93f54481d63b175a|title=Treasury sanctions Venezuelan business to isolate Maduro|date=12 April 2019|access-date=12 April 2019|publisher=AP News}}</ref> | |||
Christian Krüger Sarmiento, director of ], announced on 30 January 2019 that the Colombian government maintained a list of people banned from entering Colombia or subject to expulsion. As of January 2019, the list had 200 people with a "close relationship and support for the Nicolás Maduro regime", but Krüger said the initial list could increase or decrease.<ref name="MaduroHeads">{{cite news|url=https://www.eltiempo.com/politica/gobierno/colombia-prohibe-el-ingreso-al-pais-a-200-personas-cercanas-a-maduro-320994|title=Maduro encabeza lista de 200 venezolanos que no pueden entrar al país|date=30 January 2019|work=El Tiempo|access-date=13 April 2019|language=es|trans-title=Maduro tops list of 200 Venezuelans who can not enter the country}}</ref> | Christian Krüger Sarmiento, director of ], announced on 30 January 2019 that the Colombian government maintained a list of people banned from entering Colombia or subject to expulsion. As of January 2019, the list had 200 people with a "close relationship and support for the Nicolás Maduro regime", but Krüger said the initial list could increase or decrease.<ref name="MaduroHeads">{{cite news|url=https://www.eltiempo.com/politica/gobierno/colombia-prohibe-el-ingreso-al-pais-a-200-personas-cercanas-a-maduro-320994|title=Maduro encabeza lista de 200 venezolanos que no pueden entrar al país|date=30 January 2019|work=El Tiempo|access-date=13 April 2019|language=es|trans-title=Maduro tops list of 200 Venezuelans who can not enter the country}}</ref> | ||
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The Treasury Department sanctioned seven additional individuals for their involvement in the ] of the National Assembly in January 2020.<ref name=":6">{{Cite news|url=https://www.reuters.com/article/us-venezuela-politics-usa-idUSKBN1ZC1LY|title=U.S. targets Maduro-picked top legislator, six others in fresh Venezuelan sanctions|date=2020-01-13|work=Reuters|access-date=2020-01-13|language=en}}</ref> | The Treasury Department sanctioned seven additional individuals for their involvement in the ] of the National Assembly in January 2020.<ref name=":6">{{Cite news|url=https://www.reuters.com/article/us-venezuela-politics-usa-idUSKBN1ZC1LY|title=U.S. targets Maduro-picked top legislator, six others in fresh Venezuelan sanctions|date=2020-01-13|work=Reuters|access-date=2020-01-13|language=en}}</ref> | ||
An October 2020 report published by the ] (WOLA) |
An October 2020 report published by the ] (WOLA) by Venezuelan economist Luis Oliveros found that "while Venezuela's economic crisis began before the first U.S. sectoral sanctions were imposed in 2017, these measures 'directly contributed to its deep decline, and to the further deterioration of the quality of life of Venezuelans' ". The report concluded that economic sanctions "have cost Venezuela's government as much as $31 billion since 2017"<ref>{{cite news|date=29 October 2020|title=New Report Documents How U.S. Sanctions Have Directly Aggravated Venezuela's Economic Crisis|work=WOLA|url=https://www.wola.org/2020/10/new-report-us-sanctions-aggravated-venezuelas-economic-crisis/|access-date=13 March 2021}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|last1=Jakes|first1=Lara|last2=Kurmanaev|first2=Anatoly|date=8 March 2021|title=Biden Grants Protections for Venezuelans to Remain in U.S.|work=The New York Times|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2021/03/08/us/politics/biden-venezuela-maduro.html|access-date=13 March 2021}}</ref> | ||
== Censorship and media control == | == Censorship and media control == | ||
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Live streams of the National Assembly sessions and Guaidó's speeches have been regularly disrupted for CANTV users.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://netblocks.org/reports/venezuela-national-assembly-live-streams-disrupted-4M8JQvy0|title=Venezuela National Assembly live streams disrupted|date=29 January 2019|website=NetBlocks|access-date=31 January 2019}}<br />* {{cite web|url=https://netblocks.org/reports/disruptions-in-venezuela-affecting-youtube-and-other-services-during-political-rally-WJBZda86|title=Disruptions in Venezuela affecting YouTube and other services during political rally|date=12 February 2019|website=NetBlocks|access-date=13 February 2019}}<br />* {{Cite web|url=https://netblocks.org/reports/youtube-and-google-services-restricted-in-venezuela-as-guaido-speaks-v7yN4EAq|title=YouTube and Google services restricted in Venezuela as Guaidó speaks|date=18 February 2019|website=NetBlocks|access-date=18 February 2019}}<br />* {{cite web|url=http://www.lapatilla.com/2019/02/12/netblocks-denuncia-bloqueos-youtube-durante-manifestacion-12-feb/|title=NetBlocks denuncia bloqueos a YouTube para censurar las manifestaciones de Guaidó este #12Feb|date=12 February 2019|website=]|language=es-ES|access-date=12 February 2019}}<br />* {{Cite web|url=https://netblocks.org/reports/web-platforms-blocked-in-venezuela-colombia-border-standoff-4JBQzYyo|title=Web platforms blocked in Venezuela-Colombia border standoff|date=23 February 2019|website=NetBlocks|access-date=24 February 2019}}</ref> Since 22 January, some radio programs have been ordered off air; other programs have been temporarily canceled or received censorship warnings, including a threat to close private television and radio stations if they recognized Guaidó as acting president or interim president of Venezuela.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.el-nacional.com/noticias/entretenimiento/censura-emisoras-televisoras-plataformas-arrecio-desde-enero_268833|title=Censura a emisoras, televisoras y plataformas arreció desde el 22 de enero|last=González Mendoza|first=Isaac|date=31 January 2019|website=El Nacional|language=es|access-date=31 January 2019}}<br />* {{cite web|url=http://www.ntn24.com/america-latina/venezuela/cesar-miguel-rondon-se-despide-de-la-radio-y-transmitira-programa-por|title=César Miguel Rondón se despide de la radio y transmitirá programa por Periscope e Instagram|date=29 January 2019|website=NTN24 {{!}} www.ntn24.com|language=es|access-date=31 January 2019}}<br />* {{Cite news|url=http://www.ntn24.com/america-latina/venezuela/conatel-amenaza-con-cerrar-medios-privados-que-llamen-guaido-presidente|title=Conatel amenaza con cerrar a medios privados que llamen a Guaidó presidente encargado|date=24 January 2019|work=]|quote=Algunas radios y televisoras privadas del país han recibido una amenaza por parte de Conatel si reconocen al diputado Juan Guaidó como presidente encargado o interino de Venezuela. }}</ref> | Live streams of the National Assembly sessions and Guaidó's speeches have been regularly disrupted for CANTV users.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://netblocks.org/reports/venezuela-national-assembly-live-streams-disrupted-4M8JQvy0|title=Venezuela National Assembly live streams disrupted|date=29 January 2019|website=NetBlocks|access-date=31 January 2019}}<br />* {{cite web|url=https://netblocks.org/reports/disruptions-in-venezuela-affecting-youtube-and-other-services-during-political-rally-WJBZda86|title=Disruptions in Venezuela affecting YouTube and other services during political rally|date=12 February 2019|website=NetBlocks|access-date=13 February 2019}}<br />* {{Cite web|url=https://netblocks.org/reports/youtube-and-google-services-restricted-in-venezuela-as-guaido-speaks-v7yN4EAq|title=YouTube and Google services restricted in Venezuela as Guaidó speaks|date=18 February 2019|website=NetBlocks|access-date=18 February 2019}}<br />* {{cite web|url=http://www.lapatilla.com/2019/02/12/netblocks-denuncia-bloqueos-youtube-durante-manifestacion-12-feb/|title=NetBlocks denuncia bloqueos a YouTube para censurar las manifestaciones de Guaidó este #12Feb|date=12 February 2019|website=]|language=es-ES|access-date=12 February 2019}}<br />* {{Cite web|url=https://netblocks.org/reports/web-platforms-blocked-in-venezuela-colombia-border-standoff-4JBQzYyo|title=Web platforms blocked in Venezuela-Colombia border standoff|date=23 February 2019|website=NetBlocks|access-date=24 February 2019}}</ref> Since 22 January, some radio programs have been ordered off air; other programs have been temporarily canceled or received censorship warnings, including a threat to close private television and radio stations if they recognized Guaidó as acting president or interim president of Venezuela.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.el-nacional.com/noticias/entretenimiento/censura-emisoras-televisoras-plataformas-arrecio-desde-enero_268833|title=Censura a emisoras, televisoras y plataformas arreció desde el 22 de enero|last=González Mendoza|first=Isaac|date=31 January 2019|website=El Nacional|language=es|access-date=31 January 2019}}<br />* {{cite web|url=http://www.ntn24.com/america-latina/venezuela/cesar-miguel-rondon-se-despide-de-la-radio-y-transmitira-programa-por|title=César Miguel Rondón se despide de la radio y transmitirá programa por Periscope e Instagram|date=29 January 2019|website=NTN24 {{!}} www.ntn24.com|language=es|access-date=31 January 2019}}<br />* {{Cite news|url=http://www.ntn24.com/america-latina/venezuela/conatel-amenaza-con-cerrar-medios-privados-que-llamen-guaido-presidente|title=Conatel amenaza con cerrar a medios privados que llamen a Guaidó presidente encargado|date=24 January 2019|work=]|quote=Algunas radios y televisoras privadas del país han recibido una amenaza por parte de Conatel si reconocen al diputado Juan Guaidó como presidente encargado o interino de Venezuela. }}</ref> | ||
The website "Voluntarios X Venezuela" was promoted by Guaidó and the National Assembly to gather volunteers for humanitarian aid.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://talcualdigital.com/index.php/2019/02/16/personas-inscritas-en-voluntariosxvenezuela-comienzan-a-congregarse-para-acto-del-16f/|title=Sector salud y ciudadanía se congregan en actividad de VoluntariosxVenezuela el #16F|date=16 February 2019|work=Tal Cual Digital|access-date=16 February 2019|language=es}}</ref> Between 12 and 13 February, CANTV users that tried to access were redirected to a mirror site with a different ] address. The mirror site asked for personal information, including names, ID, address and telephone numbers. The phishing website used the ] domain controlled by Conatel. This manipulation was denounced as a technique to identify dissidents to the government.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://motherboard.vice.com/en_us/article/d3mdxm/venezuela-government-hack-activists-phishing|title=Venezuela's Government Appears To Be Trying to Hack Activists With Phishing Pages|author=Franceschi-Bicchierai, Lorenzo and Jason Koebler|date=15 February 2019|website=Motherboard|access-date=15 February 2019}}<br />* {{Cite web|url=https://securelist.com/dns-manipulation-in-venezuela/89592/|title=DNS Manipulation in Venezuela in regards to the Humanitarian Aid Campaign|website=securelist.com|access-date=15 February 2019}}<br />* {{Cite news|url=http://www.ntn24.com/america-latina/venezuela/cantv-redirecciona-pagina-de-voluntarios-x-venezuela-portal-falso-103954|title=Cantv redirecciona página de Voluntarios X Venezuela a portal falso|date=13 February 2019|access-date=15 February 2019|language=es|website=NTN24 {{!}} www.ntn24.com}}<br />* {{Cite web|url=http://www.el-nacional.com/noticias/sociedad/denuncian-creacion-sitio-web-identico-portal-voluntarios-venezuela_270938|title=Denuncian creación un sitio web idéntico al portal Voluntarios X Venezuela|date=15 February 2019|website=El Nacional|language=es|access-date=15 February 2019}}</ref> Following the phishing incident, the official site was completely blocked for CANTV users on 16 February.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://netblocks.org/reports/venezuela-humanitarian-aid-platform-blocked-GnAgJk8p|title=Venezuela humanitarian aid volunteer platform blocked|date=17 February 2019|website=NetBlocks|access-date=18 February 2019}}</ref> | The website "Voluntarios X Venezuela" was promoted by Guaidó and the National Assembly to gather volunteers for humanitarian aid.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://talcualdigital.com/index.php/2019/02/16/personas-inscritas-en-voluntariosxvenezuela-comienzan-a-congregarse-para-acto-del-16f/|title=Sector salud y ciudadanía se congregan en actividad de VoluntariosxVenezuela el #16F|date=16 February 2019|work=Tal Cual Digital|access-date=16 February 2019|language=es}}</ref> Between 12 and 13 February, CANTV users that tried to access were redirected to a mirror site with a different ] address. The mirror site asked for personal information, including names, ID, address and telephone numbers. The phishing website used the ] domain controlled by Conatel. This manipulation was denounced as a technique to identify dissidents to the government.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://motherboard.vice.com/en_us/article/d3mdxm/venezuela-government-hack-activists-phishing|title=Venezuela's Government Appears To Be Trying to Hack Activists With Phishing Pages|author=Franceschi-Bicchierai, Lorenzo and Jason Koebler|date=15 February 2019|website=Motherboard|access-date=15 February 2019}}<br />* {{Cite web|url=https://securelist.com/dns-manipulation-in-venezuela/89592/|title=DNS Manipulation in Venezuela in regards to the Humanitarian Aid Campaign|website=securelist.com|date=13 February 2019 |access-date=15 February 2019}}<br />* {{Cite news|url=http://www.ntn24.com/america-latina/venezuela/cantv-redirecciona-pagina-de-voluntarios-x-venezuela-portal-falso-103954|title=Cantv redirecciona página de Voluntarios X Venezuela a portal falso|date=13 February 2019|access-date=15 February 2019|language=es|website=NTN24 {{!}} www.ntn24.com}}<br />* {{Cite web|url=http://www.el-nacional.com/noticias/sociedad/denuncian-creacion-sitio-web-identico-portal-voluntarios-venezuela_270938|title=Denuncian creación un sitio web idéntico al portal Voluntarios X Venezuela|date=15 February 2019|website=El Nacional|language=es|access-date=15 February 2019}}</ref> Following the phishing incident, the official site was completely blocked for CANTV users on 16 February.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://netblocks.org/reports/venezuela-humanitarian-aid-platform-blocked-GnAgJk8p|title=Venezuela humanitarian aid volunteer platform blocked|date=17 February 2019|website=NetBlocks|access-date=18 February 2019}}</ref> | ||
During the ], independent journalists were also impeded from covering the event. Maduro's Ministry of Information, which has no relationship to the National Assembly, allowed reporters from state-run media to enter the legislative palace.<ref name=":52">{{Cite news|url=https://uk.reuters.com/article/uk-venezuela-politics-idUKKBN1Z40J8|title=Venezuela opposition pushes to re-elect Guaido as congress chief|date=2020-01-05|work=Reuters|access-date=2020-01-05|language=en}}</ref> Other reporters were not allowed in and told to watch it on a live feed from outside.<ref name=":52"/> State communications service ] reportedly blocked access to social media sites ], ], ], and ] on the day of the election. Block tracking website ] reported that the block began as the National Assembly session did.<ref name=":4">{{Cite web|url=https://www.elnacional.com/venezuela/cantv-bloquea-las-redes-sociales-para-censurar-sesion-de-la-asamblea-nacional/|title=Cantv bloquea las redes sociales para censurar la Asamblea Nacional|date=2020-01-05|website=EL NACIONAL|language=es|access-date=2020-01-05}}</ref> | During the ], independent journalists were also impeded from covering the event. Maduro's Ministry of Information, which has no relationship to the National Assembly, allowed reporters from state-run media to enter the legislative palace.<ref name=":52">{{Cite news|url=https://uk.reuters.com/article/uk-venezuela-politics-idUKKBN1Z40J8|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200105183430/https://uk.reuters.com/article/uk-venezuela-politics-idUKKBN1Z40J8|url-status=dead|archive-date=5 January 2020|title=Venezuela opposition pushes to re-elect Guaido as congress chief|date=2020-01-05|work=Reuters|access-date=2020-01-05|language=en}}</ref> Other reporters were not allowed in and told to watch it on a live feed from outside.<ref name=":52"/> State communications service ] reportedly blocked access to social media sites ], ], ], and ] on the day of the election. Block tracking website ] reported that the block began as the National Assembly session did.<ref name=":4">{{Cite web|url=https://www.elnacional.com/venezuela/cantv-bloquea-las-redes-sociales-para-censurar-sesion-de-la-asamblea-nacional/|title=Cantv bloquea las redes sociales para censurar la Asamblea Nacional|date=2020-01-05|website=EL NACIONAL|language=es|access-date=2020-01-05}}</ref> | ||
During the ], the National Assembly created a webpage to provide information on the ] to the public. The access to the site was restricted for CANTV users.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://efectococuyo.com/coronavirus/cantv-bloquea-web-informativa-sobre-el-covid-19-denuncia-venezuela-sin-filtro/|title=Cantv bloquea web informativa sobre el COVID-19, denuncia Venezuela Sin Filtro|last=Fermín|first=María Victoria|date=18 March 2020|website=Efecto Cocuyo|language=es|access-date=2020-04-03}}</ref> During Juan Guaidó's return to Venezuela in February 2020, after his second international tour, various media workers were insulted, harassed, robbed and physically aggressed by a group of supporters and pro-Maduro agitators that received him in the airport.<ref>{{cite news|author=Sarah Kinosian|url=https://www.reuters.com/article/us-venezuela-politics/venezuelas-guaido-returns-home-after-diplomatic-world-tour-idUSKBN2052DE|title=Venezuela's Guaido returns home after diplomatic world tour|date=11 February 2020|access-date=26 February 2020|work=Reuters|author2=Shaylim Valderrama}}</ref> According to the Venezuelan Press Working Union (SNTP), Venezuelan security forces were present and witnessed the attacks, but did not intervene.<ref name="airportcpj">{{cite news|url=https://cpj.org/2020/02/pro-government-groups-attack-reporters-covering-ju.php|title=Pro-government groups attack reporters covering Juan Guaidó's return to Venezuela|date=13 February 2020|access-date=26 February 2020|agency=CPJ}}</ref> When journalists were going to file the complaint to the authorities, security forces impeded their access to the prosecutor office.<ref name="airportcpj" /> | During the ], the National Assembly created a webpage to provide information on the ] to the public. The access to the site was restricted for CANTV users.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://efectococuyo.com/coronavirus/cantv-bloquea-web-informativa-sobre-el-covid-19-denuncia-venezuela-sin-filtro/|title=Cantv bloquea web informativa sobre el COVID-19, denuncia Venezuela Sin Filtro|last=Fermín|first=María Victoria|date=18 March 2020|website=Efecto Cocuyo|language=es|access-date=2020-04-03}}</ref> During Juan Guaidó's return to Venezuela in February 2020, after his second international tour, various media workers were insulted, harassed, robbed and physically aggressed by a group of supporters and pro-Maduro agitators that received him in the airport.<ref>{{cite news|author=Sarah Kinosian|url=https://www.reuters.com/article/us-venezuela-politics/venezuelas-guaido-returns-home-after-diplomatic-world-tour-idUSKBN2052DE|title=Venezuela's Guaido returns home after diplomatic world tour|date=11 February 2020|access-date=26 February 2020|work=Reuters|author2=Shaylim Valderrama}}</ref> According to the Venezuelan Press Working Union (SNTP), Venezuelan security forces were present and witnessed the attacks, but did not intervene.<ref name="airportcpj">{{cite news|url=https://cpj.org/2020/02/pro-government-groups-attack-reporters-covering-ju.php|title=Pro-government groups attack reporters covering Juan Guaidó's return to Venezuela|date=13 February 2020|access-date=26 February 2020|agency=CPJ}}</ref> When journalists were going to file the complaint to the authorities, security forces impeded their access to the prosecutor office.<ref name="airportcpj" /> | ||
===Closure of social media accounts=== | |||
===Twitter suspensions=== | |||
In September 2020, Facebook closed 55 accounts, 42 pages and 36 Instagram accounts linked to CLS Strategies, a Washington-based public relations firm. Facebook said these were fake accounts used to secretly manipulate politics in Bolivia, Venezuela and Mexico in violation of Facebook's prohibition on foreign interference. The ], a disinformation research group, reported that CLS Strategies employees had previous professional ties to opposition political leaders in Venezuela.<ref name="wp050920">{{cite news|last1=Timberg|first1=Craig|last2=Dwoskin|first2=Elizabeth|date=5 September 2020|title=Washington firm ran fake Facebook accounts in Venezuela, Bolivia and Mexico, report finds|newspaper=Washington Post|url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/technology/2020/09/04/facebook-bolivia-cls/|access-date=8 September 2020}}</ref> | |||
{{See also|Twitter suspensions}} | |||
In September 2020, Facebook closed 55 accounts, 42 pages and 36 Instagram accounts linked to CLS Strategies, a Washington-based public relations firm. Facebook said these were fake accounts used to secretly manipulate politics in Bolivia, Venezuela and Mexico in violation of Facebook's prohibition on foreign interference. The Stanford Internet Observatory, a disinformation research group, reported that CLS Strategies employees had previous professional ties to opposition political leaders in Venezuela.<ref name="wp050920">{{cite news|last1=Timberg|first1=Craig|last2=Dwoskin|first2=Elizabeth|date=5 September 2020|title=Washington firm ran fake Facebook accounts in Venezuela, Bolivia and Mexico, report finds|newspaper=Washington Post|url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/technology/2020/09/04/facebook-bolivia-cls/|access-date=8 September 2020}}</ref> | |||
== Arrests and detentions == | == Arrests and detentions == | ||
Multiple individuals associated with Guaidó were arrested or detained by the Maduro government. | Multiple individuals associated with Guaidó were arrested or detained by the Maduro government. | ||
]—Guaidó's chief of staff and ]'s attorney—was arrested by ] during a raid on his home on 21 March.<ref name="HaaretzMarrero">{{cite news|url=https://www.haaretz.com/world-news/venezuela-detains-top-aide-to-guaido-in-test-of-trump-s-red-line-1.7044395|title=Venezuela detains top aide to Guaido in test of Trump's red line|date=21 March 2019|work=Haaretz|access-date=21 March 2019|publisher=Reuters}}</ref> ], an alternate deputy and member of |
]—Guaidó's chief of staff and ]'s attorney—was arrested by ] during a raid on his home on 21 March.<ref name="HaaretzMarrero">{{cite news|url=https://www.haaretz.com/world-news/venezuela-detains-top-aide-to-guaido-in-test-of-trump-s-red-line-1.7044395|title=Venezuela detains top aide to Guaido in test of Trump's red line|date=21 March 2019|work=Haaretz|access-date=21 March 2019|publisher=Reuters}}</ref> ], an alternate deputy and member of Guaidó's party, ], was re-arrested by the ] on 26 April 2019.<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2019-04-30/guaido-s-high-risk-gamble-flops-as-maduro-keeps-grip-on-military|title=Venezuela Opposition Lawmaker Arrested Ahead of Demonstration|last=Rosati|first=Andrew|date=26 April 2019|work=Bloomberg|access-date=1 May 2019}}</ref><ref name="WPCaro">{{Cite news|url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/world/national-security/us-adds-venezuela-foreign-minister-to-sanctions-target-list/2019/04/26/755476e8-6838-11e9-a698-2a8f808c9cfb_story.html|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190426165910/https://www.washingtonpost.com/world/national-security/us-adds-venezuela-foreign-minister-to-sanctions-target-list/2019/04/26/755476e8-6838-11e9-a698-2a8f808c9cfb_story.html|url-status=dead|archive-date=26 April 2019|title=US adds Venezuela foreign minister to sanctions target list|last=Torchia|first=Christopher|date=26 April 2019|newspaper=The Washington Post|access-date=1 May 2019}}</ref> Eleven other members of Guaidó's team have been summoned to appear before SEBIN.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://news.yahoo.com/venezuelas-opposition-run-congress-says-lawmaker-detained-151219030.html|title=Venezuela's opposition-run congress says lawmaker detained, violating immunity|date=27 April 2019|website=Yahoo News|access-date=1 May 2019}}</ref>], arrested in May 2019.]]Most of the individuals who were seen with Guaidó during the attempted uprising and many legislators were either arrested or in hiding.<ref name="NYTGuaidonegotiateMaduro" /> In May 2019, the TSJ ordered the prosecution of seven National Assembly members for their actions on 30 April.<ref name="reutersTSJmembers">{{Cite web|url=https://lta.reuters.com/articulo/venezuela-tribunales-idLTAKCN1SD2IJ|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190508011557/https://lta.reuters.com/articulo/venezuela-tribunales-idLTAKCN1SD2IJ|url-status=dead|archive-date=8 May 2019|title=Máximo tribunal de Venezuela acusa a siete diputados opositores y asamblea oficialista levanta su inmunidad – Reuters|date=7 May 2019|website=Reuters|language=es|access-date=8 May 2019}}</ref><ref name="washingtonpostTIAR">{{Cite news|url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/politics/congress/venezuelas-opposition-led-congress-to-debate-defense-pact/2019/05/07/e6ae0fcc-70dd-11e9-9331-30bc5836f48e_story.html|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190507170341/https://www.washingtonpost.com/politics/congress/venezuelas-opposition-led-congress-to-debate-defense-pact/2019/05/07/e6ae0fcc-70dd-11e9-9331-30bc5836f48e_story.html|url-status=dead|archive-date=7 May 2019|title=Venezuela's top court targets opposition lawmakers|last1=Sanchez, Fabiola|date=8 May 2019|newspaper=The Washington Post|access-date=8 May 2019|last2=Torchia, Christopher}}</ref>{{efn|The seven members are: José Calzadilla, ], {{ill|Mariela Magallanes|es}}, {{ill|Américo De Grazia|es}}, ], ] and ].<ref name=reutersTSJmembers/> Edgar Zambrano order of prosecution was announced some days before the other six.<ref name=washingtonpostTIAR/> Initially, the TSJ list included ] but the name was later scrapped.<ref name=washingtonpostTIAR/><ref>{{cite web|url=http://efectococuyo.com/politica/tsj-corrige-y-excluye-a-un-ciudadano-de-lista-de-procesados-por-traicion-a-la-patria/|title=TSJ corrige y excluye a un ciudadano de la lista de procesados por traición a la patria|date=7 May 2019|access-date=9 May 2019|language=es|website=Efeto Cocuyo|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190509005716/http://efectococuyo.com/politica/tsj-corrige-y-excluye-a-un-ciudadano-de-lista-de-procesados-por-traicion-a-la-patria/|archive-date=9 May 2019|url-status=dead}}</ref>}} The rival Constituent Assembly stripped the members of their parliamentary immunity.<ref name="washingtonpostTIAR" /> The National Assembly dismissed the sentence, holding that the members of the Tribunal are illegitimate and that their ruling violates the parliamentary immunity of the deputies.<ref name="Siete">{{cite news|url=http://www.el-nacional.com/noticias/politica/desconocio-decision-del-tsj-atentado-contra-inmunidad-parlamentaria_281655|title=AN desconoció decisión del TSJ y atentado contra la inmunidad parlamentaria|last1=Brito|first1=Estefani|date=7 May 2019|access-date=8 May 2019|agency=El Nacional|language=es}}</ref> As of 2 May 2019, there were 205 arrests related to protests.<ref name="4Dead">{{cite web|url=https://www.cbc.ca/news/world/venezuela-maduro-calls-military-unity-1.5119738|title=Venezuelan rights group says 4 dead in clashes amid opposition call for uprising|date=2 May 2019|website=]|access-date=2 May 2019}}</ref> | ||
National Assembly Vice President ] was arrested on 8 May 2019.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2019/05/08/world/americas/venezuela-opposition-zambrano-detained.html|title=Ally of Venezuelan opposition leader is detained, Guaidó Says|author=Kurmanaev, Anatoly|date=8 May 2019|work=New York Times|access-date=8 May 2019}}</ref> With the seven deputies charged several crimes, an '']'' article stated that the Venezuelan parliament, elected to a majority in the 2015 elections, has been "systematically blocked" and dismembered by "political persecution" of 60% of its elected members.<ref name="70Diputados">{{cite news|url=https://elpais.com/internacional/2019/05/09/america/1557361186_073215.html|title=Casi 70 diputados venezolanos han sido víctimas de persecución|author=Singer, Florantonia|date=9 May 2019|work=El Pais|access-date=9 May 2019|language=es|trans-title=Almost 70 Venezuelan deputies have been victims of persecution}}</ref>{{efn|Among the elected deputies in exile are ], {{ill|Gaby Arellano|es}}, ], ], |
National Assembly Vice President ] was arrested on 8 May 2019.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2019/05/08/world/americas/venezuela-opposition-zambrano-detained.html|title=Ally of Venezuelan opposition leader is detained, Guaidó Says|author=Kurmanaev, Anatoly|date=8 May 2019|work=The New York Times|access-date=8 May 2019}}</ref> With the seven deputies charged several crimes, an '']'' article stated that the Venezuelan parliament, elected to a majority in the 2015 elections, has been "systematically blocked" and dismembered by "political persecution" of 60% of its elected members.<ref name="70Diputados">{{cite news|url=https://elpais.com/internacional/2019/05/09/america/1557361186_073215.html|title=Casi 70 diputados venezolanos han sido víctimas de persecución|author=Singer, Florantonia|date=9 May 2019|work=El Pais|access-date=9 May 2019|language=es|trans-title=Almost 70 Venezuelan deputies have been victims of persecution}}</ref>{{efn|Among the elected deputies in exile are ], {{ill|Gaby Arellano|es}}, ], ], ], ], ], {{ill|Germán Ferrer|es}} and {{ill|Adriana D'Elia|es}}. ] is in the Chilean embassy. ] is among those arrested.<ref name=70Diputados/> ] is imprisoned.<ref>{{cite news |url= https://www.washingtontimes.com/news/2018/aug/9/venezuelas-opposition-protests-arrest-of-lawmaker/|title=Venezuela's opposition protests arrest of lawmaker |work= Washington Times|access-date=24 August 2018 |publisher= Associated Press |date= 9 August 2019}}</ref>}} There was no preliminary merit hearing as required by law; an additional three deputies were indicted without a preliminary merit hearing.<ref name="70Diputados" />{{efn|], ] and ] were also indicted.<ref>{{cite news |url= https://www.france24.com/en/20190509-venezuela-detains-guaido-deputy-zambrano-maduro |work= France24 |date= 9 May 2019 |access-date= 9 May 2019 | title= Venezuela detains deputy of opposition leader Juan Guaido}}</ref>}} Three of the recently sanctioned members{{efn| ], {{ill|Américo de Grazia|es}}, and {{Ill|Mariela Magallanes|es}} sought temporary refuge in embassies.<ref name=ArgentineEmbassy/>}} sought temporary refuge in foreign embassies.<ref name="ArgentineEmbassy">{{Cite news|url=https://www.reuters.com/article/us-venezuela-politics-idUSKCN1SF1YK|title=Venezuelan lawmakers seek refuge in embassies after crackdown on Guaido allies|last1=Armas|first1=Mayela|date=9 May 2019|access-date=9 May 2019|work=Reuters|last2=Garrison, Cassandra}}</ref> | ||
On 13 July 2019, two of Guaidó's security guards were arrested in Caracas.<ref name="Reuters2guards">{{Cite news|url=https://www.reuters.com/article/us-venezuela-politics-idUSKCN1U80O1|title=Guaido security guards detained during break in Venezuela political talks|date=13 July 2019|work=Reuters|access-date=13 July 2019}}</ref><ref name="AP2guards">{{Cite web|url=https://apnews.com/d8b6a43b13854be3a17d20686ae0f9cb|title=Venezuelan authorities arrest 2 Guaidó security guards|last=Torchia|first=Christopher|date=13 July 2019|website=Associated Press|access-date=13 July 2019}}</ref> According to Information Minister Jorge Rodríguez, the two guards had attempted to sell rifles that had been taken from a National Guard armory ahead of the failed uprising on 30 April 2019.<ref name="Reuters2guards" /> Guaidó said that the guards were arrested while protecting his family during his tour around the country. He dismissed the weapon sale allegations and speculated that the authorities would torture and frame the two men by planting weapons on them.<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.republica.com/2019/07/14/guaido-alerta-a-la-onu-sobre-las-amenazas-de-tortura-a-sus-escoltas/|title=Guaidó alerta a la ONU sobre las amenazas de tortura a sus escoltas|date=14 July 2019|work=República|access-date=17 July 2019|publisher=EFE|language=es}}</ref><ref name="AP2guards" /> Rodríguez announced that evidence would be presented during the next round of talks.<ref name="Reuters2guards" /> | On 13 July 2019, two of Guaidó's security guards were arrested in Caracas.<ref name="Reuters2guards">{{Cite news|url=https://www.reuters.com/article/us-venezuela-politics-idUSKCN1U80O1|title=Guaido security guards detained during break in Venezuela political talks|date=13 July 2019|work=Reuters|access-date=13 July 2019}}</ref><ref name="AP2guards">{{Cite web|url=https://apnews.com/d8b6a43b13854be3a17d20686ae0f9cb|title=Venezuelan authorities arrest 2 Guaidó security guards|last=Torchia|first=Christopher|date=13 July 2019|website=Associated Press|access-date=13 July 2019}}</ref> According to Information Minister Jorge Rodríguez, the two guards had attempted to sell rifles that had been taken from a National Guard armory ahead of the failed uprising on 30 April 2019.<ref name="Reuters2guards" /> Guaidó said that the guards were arrested while protecting his family during his tour around the country. He dismissed the weapon sale allegations and speculated that the authorities would torture and frame the two men by planting weapons on them.<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.republica.com/2019/07/14/guaido-alerta-a-la-onu-sobre-las-amenazas-de-tortura-a-sus-escoltas/|title=Guaidó alerta a la ONU sobre las amenazas de tortura a sus escoltas|date=14 July 2019|work=República|access-date=17 July 2019|publisher=EFE|language=es}}</ref><ref name="AP2guards" /> Rodríguez announced that evidence would be presented during the next round of talks.<ref name="Reuters2guards" /> | ||
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===Bibliography=== | |||
{{Bolivarian Venezuela Crisis}} | |||
* {{cite journal |last=Corrales |first=Javier |date=3 July 2020 |title=Authoritarian survival: why Maduro hasn't fallen |url=https://cpo4303.info/assets/docs/why_Maduro_hasnt_fallen_2020.233145855.pdf |url-status=live |journal=] |volume=31 |issue=3 |pages=39–53 |doi=10.1353/jod.2020.0044 |s2cid=226738491 |id={{ProQuest|2429461768}} |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230930195511/https://cpo4303.info/assets/docs/why_Maduro_hasnt_fallen_2020.233145855.pdf |archive-date=30 September 2023}} | |||
*{{Cite book |last=Neuman |first=William |title=]: Inside the Collapse of Venezuela |publisher=] |year=2022 |isbn=978-1250266163 |edition=1st |pages=279–280 |language=en}} | |||
* {{cite journal |first=Rafael Duarte |last=Villa |year=2022 |title=Venezuelan military: a political and ideological model in Chavista governments |url=https://edisciplinas.usp.br/pluginfile.php/6639528/mod_folder/content/0/Villa%20%202021.pdf |url-status=live |journal=Defence Studies |volume=22 |issue=1 |pages=79–98 |doi=10.1080/14702436.2021.1976061 |s2cid=246801363 |id={{EBSCOhost|155858391}} |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230930201545/https://edisciplinas.usp.br/pluginfile.php/6639528/mod_folder/content/0/Villa%20%202021.pdf |archive-date=30 September 2023}} | |||
==External links== | |||
* {{Cite web |date=2022-11-16 |title=Into the 'Venezuela's Fixed' Social Media Rabbit Hole |url=https://www.caracaschronicles.com/2022/11/16/into-the-venezuelas-fixed-social-media-rabbit-hole/ |access-date=2022-11-19 |website=]}} | |||
{{Crisis in Venezuela}} | |||
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Latest revision as of 23:14, 6 January 2025
Political crisis in Venezuela from 2019 to 2023
Venezuelan presidential crisis | |||
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Part of the crisis in Venezuela | |||
Juan Guaidó (left) and Nicolás Maduro (right) | |||
Date | 10 January 2019 (2019-01-10) – 5 January 2023 (2023-01-05) (3 years, 11 months and 26 days) | ||
Location | Venezuela | ||
Caused by |
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Goals |
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Methods | Protests, support campaigns, foreign diplomatic pressure and international sanctions | ||
Resulted in | Status quo
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Crisis and protests in Latin America in 2019 | |
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Bolivia (political crisis) |
The Venezuelan presidential crisis was a political crisis concerning the leadership and the legitimate president of Venezuela between 2019 and 2023, with the nation and the world divided in support for Nicolás Maduro or Juan Guaidó.
Venezuela is engulfed in a political and economic crisis which has led to more than seven million people leaving the country since 2015. The process and results of the 2018 presidential elections were widely disputed. The opposition-majority National Assembly declared Maduro a usurper of the presidency on the day of his second inauguration and disclosed a plan to set forth its president Guaidó as the succeeding acting president of the country under article 233 of the Venezuelan Constitution. A week later, the Supreme Tribunal of Justice declared that the presidency of the National Assembly was the "usurper" of authority and declared the body to be unconstitutional. Minutes after Maduro took the oath as president, the Organization of American States (OAS) approved a resolution in a special session of its Permanent Council declaring Maduro's presidency illegitimate and urging new elections. Special meetings of the OAS on 24 January and in the United Nations Security Council on 26 January were held but no consensus was reached. Secretary-General of the United Nations António Guterres called for dialogue. During the 49th General Assembly of the Organization of American States on 27 June, Guaidó's presidency was recognized by the organization. Guaidó and the National Assembly declared he was acting president and swore himself in on 23 January.
At his peak, Guaidó was recognized as legitimate by about 60 countries, despite never running as president; Maduro by about 20 countries. However, Guaidó's international support waned over time. Internationally, support followed geopolitical lines, with Russia, China, Cuba, Iran, Syria, and Turkey supporting Maduro, while the majority of Western and Latin American countries supported Guaidó as acting president. Support for Guaidó began to decline when a military uprising attempt in April 2019 failed to materialize. Following the failed uprising, representatives of Guaidó and Maduro began mediation, with the assistance of the Norwegian Centre for Conflict Resolution. After the second meeting in Norway, no deal was reached. In July 2019 negotiations started again in Barbados with representatives from both sides. In September, Guaidó announced the end of dialogue following a forty-day absence by the Maduro government as a protest against the recent sanctions by the United States. In March 2020, the United States proposed a transitional government that would exclude both Maduro and Guaidó from the presidency. U.S. Secretary of State Mike Pompeo said that sanctions did not apply to humanitarian aid during the coronavirus pandemic health emergency and that the United States would lift all sanctions if Maduro agreed to organize elections that did not include himself. Guaidó accepted the proposal, while Venezuela's foreign minister, Jorge Arreaza, rejected it.
By January 2020, efforts led by Guaidó to create a transitional government had been unsuccessful and Maduro continued to control Venezuela's state institutions. In January 2021, the European Union stopped recognizing Guaidó as president, but still did not recognize Maduro as the legitimate president; the European Parliament reaffirmed its recognition of Guaidó as president, and the EU threatened with further sanctions. After the announcement of regional elections in 2021, Guaidó announced a "national salvation agreement" and proposed the negotiation with Maduro with a schedule for free and fair elections, with international support and observers, in exchange for lifting international sanctions.
In December 2022, three of the four main opposition political parties (Justice First, Democratic Action and A New Era) backed and approved a reform to dissolve the interim government and create a commission of five members to manage foreign assets, as deputies sought a united strategy ahead of the 2024 Venezuelan presidential election, stating that the interim government had failed to achieve the goals it had set.
Background
See also: Crisis in Venezuela, 2017 Venezuelan constitutional crisis, and 2017 Venezuelan protestsSince 2010, Venezuela has been suffering a socioeconomic crisis under Nicolás Maduro and briefly under his predecessor Hugo Chávez, as rampant crime, hyperinflation and shortages as a result of sanctions, diminish the quality of life. Javier Corrales stated in a 2020 Journal of Democracy that Maduro "presided over one of the most devastating national economic crises seen anywhere in modern times." As a result of discontent with the government, the opposition was elected to hold the majority in the National Assembly for the first time since 1999 following the 2015 parliamentary election. After the election, the lame duck National Assembly consisting of Bolivarian officials filled the Supreme Tribunal of Justice, the highest court in Venezuela, with Maduro allies. The tribunal stripped three opposition lawmakers of their National Assembly seats in early 2016, citing alleged "irregularities" in their elections, thereby preventing an opposition supermajority which would have been able to challenge President Maduro.
In January 2016, the National Assembly declared a "health humanitarian crisis" given the "serious shortage of medicines, medical supplies and deterioration of humanitarian infrastructure", asking Maduro's government to "guarantee immediate access to the list of essential medicines that are basic and indispensable and that must be accessible at all times."
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Human Rights Watch multimedia report regarding the 2017 protests on YouTube |
The tribunal approved several actions by Maduro and granted him more powers in 2017. As protests mounted against Maduro, he called for a constituent assembly that would draft a new constitution to replace the 1999 Venezuela Constitution created under Chávez. According to Rafael Villa – writing in Defence Studies in 2022 – "Maduro's leadership not consensual" and among the changes he had made to overcome his "political fragility" was promoting an excessive number of officers within the military, and the election of a 2017 Constituent National Assembly to replace the opposition-led National Assembly, which was elected in 2015. Many countries considered these actions a bid by Maduro to stay in power indefinitely, and over 40 countries stated that they would not recognize the 2017 Constituent National Assembly (ANC). The Democratic Unity Roundtable, the main opposition to the incumbent ruling party, boycotted the election, saying that the ANC was "a trick to keep in power." Since the opposition did not participate in the election, the Great Patriotic Pole coalition and its supporters, including the incumbent United Socialist Party of Venezuela, won all seats in the assembly by default. On 8 August 2017, the ANC declared itself to be the government branch with supreme power in Venezuela, banning the opposition-led National Assembly from performing actions that would interfere with the assembly while continuing to pass measures in "support and solidarity" with President Maduro, effectively stripping the National Assembly of all its powers.
Maduro disavowed the National Assembly in 2017. As of 2018, some considered the National Assembly the only "legitimate" institution left in the country and human rights organizations said there were no independent institutional checks on presidential power.
2018 election and calls for transitional government
Main articles: 2018 Venezuelan presidential election and Second inauguration of Nicolás MaduroIn February 2018, Maduro called for presidential elections four months before the prescribed date. He was declared the winner in May 2018 after multiple major opposition parties were banned from participating, among other irregularities; many said the elections were invalid. Some politicians both internally and internationally said Maduro was not legitimately elected and considered him an ineffective dictator. In the months leading up to his 10 January 2019 inauguration, Maduro was pressured to step down by nations and bodies including the Lima Group (excluding Mexico), the United States and the OAS; this pressure was increased after the new National Assembly of Venezuela was sworn in on 5 January 2019. Between the May 2018 presidential election and Maduro's inauguration, there were calls to establish a transitional government.
Signs of impending crisis showed when a Supreme Tribunal Justice and Electoral Justice seen as close to Maduro defected to the United States just a few days before the 10 January 2019 second inauguration of Nicolás Maduro. The justice, Christian Zerpa [es], said that Maduro was "incompetent" and "illegitimate". Minutes after Maduro took the oath as president of Venezuela, the OAS approved a resolution in a special session of its Permanent Council declaring Maduro's presidency illegitimate and urging new elections. Maduro's election was supported by Turkey, Russia, China, and the Bolivarian Alliance for the Peoples of Our America (ALBA).
In December 2018, Guaidó had traveled to Washington, D.C., met with OAS Secretary General Luis Almagro. On 14 January 2019, he traveled to Colombia for a Lima Group meeting, in which Maduro's mandate was rejected. According to an article in El País, the January Lima Group meeting and the stance taken by Canadian Minister of Foreign Affairs Chrystia Freeland were key. El País describes Donald Trump's election—coinciding with the election of conservative presidents in Colombia and Brazil, along with deteriorating conditions in Venezuela—as "a perfect storm", with decisions influenced by U.S. officials including Vice President Mike Pence, Secretary of State Pompeo, National Security Advisor John Bolton and legislators Mario Díaz-Balart and Marco Rubio. Venezuelans Carlos Vecchio, Julio Borges and Gustavo Tarre were consulted and the Trump administration decision to back Guaidó formed on 22 January, according to El País. Díaz-Balart said that the decision was the result of two years of planning.
Justification for the challenge
The Venezuelan opposition says its actions are based on the 1999 Constitution of the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela, specifically Articles 233, 333 and 350.
The first paragraph of Article 233 states that "when the president-elect is absolutely absent before taking office, a new election shall take place And while the president is elected and takes office, the interim president shall be the president of the National Assembly."
Article 333 calls for citizens to restore and enforce the Constitution if it is not followed. Article 350 calls for citizens to "disown any regime, legislation or authority that violates democratic values, principles and guarantees or encroaches upon human rights."
Article 233 was invoked after the death of Hugo Chávez in 2013, which took place soon after his inauguration, and extraordinary elections were called within thirty days. Invoked by the National Assembly, Guaidó was declared acting president until elections could be held; Diego A. Zambrano, an assistant professor of law at Stanford Law School, says that "Venezuelan lawyers disagree on the best reading of this provision. Some argue Guaidó can serve longer if the electoral process is scheduled within a reasonable time." The National Assembly announced that it will designate a committee to appoint a new National Electoral Council, in anticipation of free elections.
2019 events
Inauguration of Maduro
In January 2019, Leopoldo López's Popular Will party attained the leadership of the National Assembly of Venezuela according to a rotation agreement made by opposition parties, naming Juan Guaidó as president of the legislative body.
Guaidó began motions to form a provisional government shortly after assuming his new role on 5 January 2019, stating that whether or not Maduro began his new term on the 10th, the country would not have a legitimately elected president in either case, calling for soldiers to "enforce the Constitution" Signs of impending crisis showed when a Supreme Court Justice and Electoral Justice seen as close to Maduro defected to the United States just a few days before the 10 January 2019 second inauguration of Nicolás Maduro. The justice, Christian Zerpa [es], said that Maduro was "incompetent" and "illegitimate". Minutes after Maduro took the oath as president of Venezuela, the OAS approved a resolution in a special session of its Permanent Council declaring Maduro's presidency illegitimate and urging new elections. Maduro's election was supported by Turkey, Russia, China, and the Bolivarian Alliance for the Peoples of Our America (ALBA).
Guaidó announced a public assembly, referred to as an open cabildo, on 11 January, a rally in the streets of Caracas, where Guaidó spoke on behalf of the National Assembly saying that the country had fallen into a de facto dictatorship and had no leader. Guaidó said that the National Assembly would "take the responsibility that touches us". Leaders of other political parties, trade unions, women, and students also spoke at the rally. The opposition considered assuming the powers of the executive branch legitimate based on constitutional processes; The National Assembly specifically invoked Articles 233, 333, and 350 of the Constitution. Guaidó announced nationwide protests to be held on 23 January—the same day as the removal of Marcos Pérez Jiménez in 1958—using a slogan chant of ¡Sí se puede!. The National Assembly worked with the coalition Frente Amplio Venezuela Libre to create a plan for the demonstrations, organizing a unified national force. On 11 January, plans to offer incentives for the armed forces to disavow Maduro were announced.
Guaidó declared acting president
During Guaidó's speech, he said he was "willing to assume command ... only possible with the help of Venezuelans". Following Guaidó's speech, the National Assembly released a press statement saying that Guaidó had assumed the role of acting president. The Assembly retracted the statement later published another clarifying Guaidó's position as "willing to assume command ... only possible with the help of Venezuelans".
Maduro's response was to call the opposition a group of "little boys", describing Guaidó as "immature". The Minister for Prison Services, Iris Varela, threatened that she had picked out a prison cell for Guaidó and asked him to be quick in naming his cabinet so she could prepare prison cells for them as well.
The president of the Supreme Tribunal of Justice of Venezuela in exile, based in Panama, wrote to Guaidó, requesting him to become acting president of Venezuela. OAS Secretary-General Luis Almagro was the first to give international official support to Guaidó's claim, tweeting "We welcome the assumption of Juan Guaidó as interim president of Venezuela in accordance with Article 233 of the Political Constitution. You have our support, that of the international community and of the people of Venezuela." Later that day, Brazil and Colombia gave their support to Guaidó as acting president of Venezuela.
Guaidó briefly detained, plans continue
See also: 2019 Venezuelan protestsGuaidó was detained on 13 January by the Bolivarian Intelligence Service (SEBIN) and released 45 minutes later. The SEBIN agents who intercepted his car and took him into custody were fired. The Information Minister, Jorge Rodríguez, said the agents did not have instructions and the arrest was orchestrated by Guaidó as a "media stunt" to gain popularity; BBC News correspondents said that it appeared to be a genuine ambush to send a message to the opposition. Almagro condemned the arrest, which he called a "kidnapping", while Pompeo referred to it as an "arbitrary detention". After his detention, Guaidó said that Rodríguez's admission that the SEBIN agents acted independently showed that the government had lost control of its security forces; he called Miraflores (the presidential palace) "desperate", and stated: "There is one legitimate president of the National Assembly and of all Venezuela."
On 15 January 2019, the National Assembly approved legislation to work with dozens of foreign countries to request that these nations freeze Maduro administration bank accounts. Guaidó wrote a 15 January 2019 opinion piece in The Washington Post entitled "Maduro is a usurper. It's time to restore democracy in Venezuela"; he outlined Venezuela's erosion of democracy and his reasoning for the need to replace Maduro on an interim basis according to Venezuela's constitution.
On 21 January, over two dozen National Guardsmen participated in a mutiny against Maduro with the assistance of residents in the area during the early morning hours. Government forces repressed the protestors tear gas and the officers were later captured. During the night, over thirty communities in Caracas and surrounding areas participated in strong protests against the Maduro government. The strongest protests occurred in San José de Cotiza, where the rebel National Guardsmen were arrested, with demonstrations spreading throughout nearby communities, with cacerolazos heard throughout Caracas. One woman who was confused for a protester was killed in San José de Cotiza by members of a colectivo, who stole her phone. On 22 January, Vice President Mike Pence called Guaidó personally and assured him that the United States would support his declaration.
Guaidó declares himself acting president
On 23 January, Guaidó swore to serve as acting president. On that morning, Guaidó tweeted, "The world's eyes are on our homeland today." On that day, millions of Venezuelans demonstrated across the country and world in support of Guaidó, with a few hundred supporting Maduro outside Miraflores. At one end of the blocked street was a stage where Guaidó spoke and took an oath to serve as interim president. Minutes after his speech, the United States announced that it recognized Guaidó as interim president while presidents Iván Duque of Colombia and Jair Bolsonaro of Brazil, beside deputy Canadian prime minister Chrystia Freeland, announced at the World Economic Forum that they too recognized him.
The Venezuelan National Guard used tear gas on gathering crowds at other locations, and blocked protesters from arriving. Some protests grew violent, and at least 13 people were killed. Michelle Bachelet of the United Nations requested a UN investigation into the security forces' use of violence.
Guaidó began to appoint individuals in late January to serve as aides or diplomats, including Carlos Vecchio as the Guaidó administration's diplomatic envoy to the US, Gustavo Tarre to the OAS, and Julio Borges to represent Venezuela in the Lima Group. He announced that the National Assembly had approved a commission to implement a plan for the reconstruction of Venezuela, called Plan País (Plan for the Country), and he offered an Amnesty law, approved by the National Assembly, for military personnel and authorities who help to "restore constitutional order". The Statute Governing the Transition to Democracy was approved by the National Assembly on 5 February.
As of July 2019, the National Assembly had approved Juan Guaidó's appointment has named 37 ambassadors and foreign representatives to international organizations and nations abroad.
Maduro response
Maduro accused the United States of backing a coup and said he would cut ties with them. He said Guaidó's actions were part of a "well-written script from Washington" to create a puppet state of the United States, and appealed to the American people in a 31 January video, asking them not to "convert Venezuela into another Vietnam".
Maduro asked for dialogue with Guaidó, saying "if I have to go meet this boy in the Pico Humboldt at three in the morning I am going, if I have to go naked, I am going, that today, sooner rather than later, the way is open for a reasonable, sincere dialogue". He stated he would not leave the presidential office, saying that he was elected in compliance with the Venezuelan constitution. With the two giving speeches to supporters at the same time, Guaidó replied to Maduro's call for dialogue, saying he would not initiate diplomatic talks with Maduro because he believed it would be a farce and fake diplomacy that could not achieve anything.
On 18 February, Maduro's government expelled a group of Members of the European Parliament that planned to meet Guaidó. The expulsion was condemned by Guaidó as well as Pablo Casado, president of the Spanish People's Party, and the Colombian government. Maduro's Foreign Minister Jorge Arreaza defended the expulsions, saying that the constitutional government of Venezuela "will not allow the European extreme right to disturb the peace and stability of the country with another of its gross interventionist actions."
Humanitarian aid crisis
Main article: 2019 shipping of humanitarian aid to Venezuela Cúcuta Pacaraima Curaçaoclass=notpageimage| Location of the proposed entry points for humanitarian aid.Shortages in Venezuela have been present since 2007 during the presidency of Hugo Chávez. In 2016, the National Assembly of Venezuela declared a humanitarian crisis, asking Maduro's government to provide access to essential medicines and medical supplies. Before the presidential crisis, the Maduro government denied several offers of aid, stating that there was not a humanitarian crisis and that such claims were used to justify foreign intervention. Maduro's refusal of aid worsened the effects of Venezuela's crisis. During the presidential crisis, Maduro initially refused aid, stating that Venezuela is not a country of "beggars".
Guaidó made bringing humanitarian aid to the country a priority. In early February, Maduro prevented the American-sponsored aid from entering Venezuela via Colombia, and Venezuela's communications minister, Jorge Rodriguez, said there was a plot between Colombia, the CIA and exiled Venezuelan politician Julio Borges to oust Maduro. Humanitarian aid intended for Venezuela was also stockpiled on the Brazilian border, and two indigenous Pemon people were killed as they attempted to block military vehicles from entering the area, when members of armed forces loyal to Maduro fired upon them with live ammunition.
Guaidó issued an ultimatum to the Venezuelan Armed Forces, stating that humanitarian aid would enter Venezuela on 23 February and that the armed forces "will have to decide if it will be on the side of the Venezuelans and the Constitution or the usurper". Guaidó defied the restriction imposed by the Maduro administration on him leaving Venezuela, secretly crossed the border, saying that with the help of the Venezuelan military, and appeared at the Venezuela Aid Live concert in Cúcuta, Colombia on 22 February, also to be present for the planned delivery of humanitarian aid. Testing Maduro's authority, he was met by presidents Iván Duque of Colombia, Sebastián Piñera from Chile, and Mario Abdo Benítez from Paraguay, as well as the OAS Secretary-General Luis Almagro.
On 23 February, trucks with humanitarian aid attempted to enter Venezuela from Brazil and Colombia; the attempts failed, with only one truck able to deliver aid. At the Colombia–Venezuela border, the caravans were tear-gassed or shot at with rubber bullets by Venezuelan personnel. The National Guard repressed demonstrations on the Brazilian border and colectivos attacked protesters near the Colombian border, leaving at least four dead, and more than 285 injured.
Lima Group meeting and Latin American tour
Guaidó traveled from Cúcuta to Bogotá for a 24 February meeting with US Vice President Mike Pence, and a 25 February meeting of the Lima Group. The group urged the International Criminal Court to pursue charges of crimes against humanity for the Maduro administration's use of violence against civilians and blockade of humanitarian aid.
Pence did not rule out the use of US military force. The Venezuelan government responded saying that Pence was trying to order others to take the country's assets, and saying that its basic rights were being disregarded in a campaign to unseat Maduro. Brazil's vice president said it would not permit its territory to be used to invade Venezuela, and the European Union cautioned against the use of military force. The Lima Group rejected the use of force as well. The US FAA warned pilots not to fly below 26,000 feet over Venezuela, and US military officials said they had flown reconnaissance flights off the coast of Venezuela to gather classified intelligence about Maduro.
From Bogotá, Guaidó embarked on a regional tour to meet with the presidents of Brazil, Paraguay, Argentina, and Ecuador, to discuss ways to rebuild Venezuela and defeat Maduro. Guaidó's trip was approved by Venezuela's National Assembly, as required by the Constitution of Venezuela, but he faced the possibility of being imprisoned when returning to Venezuela because of the travel restriction placed upon him by the Maduro administration. He re-entered Venezuela on 4 March, via Simón Bolívar International Airport in Maiquetía, and was received at the airport by diplomats and in Caracas by a crowd of supporters. German ambassador Daniel Kriener was accused of interference in internal affairs and expelled from Venezuela because of his role in helping Guaidó re-enter.
Blackouts
Further information: 2019 Venezuelan blackouts and Human rights in Venezuela § 2019 OHCHR delegation visitIn March 2019, Venezuela experienced a near total electrical blackout, and lost 150,000 barrels per day in crude oil production during the blackout. Full recovery of oil production was expected to take months, but by April, Venezuela's exports were steady at a million barrels daily, "partially due to inventory drains".
Experts and state-run Corpoelec (Corporación Eléctrica Nacional) sources attributed the electricity shortages to lack of maintenance, underinvestment, corruption and to a lack of technical expertise in the country resulting from a brain drain; Nicolás Maduro's administration attributes them to sabotage. Guaidó said that Venezuela's largest-ever power outage was "the product of the inefficiency, the incapability, the corruption of a regime that doesn't care about the lives of Venezuelans", Maduro's Attorney General, Tarek William Saab, called for an investigation of Guaidó, alleging that he had "sabotaged" the electric sector.
While Maduro visited hydroelectric facilities in Ciudad Guayana on 16 March, promising to restructure the state-run power company Corpoelec, his Vice President Delcy Rodríguez announced that Maduro would restructure his administration, asking the "entire executive Cabinet to put their roles up for review". Guaidó announced he would embark on a tour of the country beginning 16 March, to organize committees for Operation Freedom with the goal to claim the presidential residence, Miraflores Palace. From the first rally in Carabobo state, he said, "We will be in each state of Venezuela and for each state we have visited the responsibility will be yours, the leaders, the united, organize ourselves in freedom commands."
United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR) commissioner Michelle Bachelet's office sent a five-person delegation to Venezuela in March. On 20 March, Bachelet delivered a preliminary oral report before the UN Human Rights Council, in which she outlined a "devastating and deteriorating" human rights situation in Venezuela, expressed concern that sanctions would worsen the situation, and called on authorities to show a true commitment to recognizing and resolving the situation.
Elvis Amoroso, Maduro's comptroller, alleged in March that Guaidó had not explained how he paid for his February 2019 Latin American trip, and said Guaidó would be barred from running for public office for fifteen years. The comptroller general is not a judicial body; according to constitutional lawyer José Vicente Haro, the Inter-American Court of Human Rights ruled in 2011 that an administrative body cannot disallow a public servant from running. Constitutional law expert Juan Manuel Raffalli stated that Article 65 of Venezuela's Constitution provides that such determinations may only be made by criminal courts, after judgment of criminal activity.
Red Cross aid effort
Further information: 2019 shipping of humanitarian aid to Venezuela § RedCrossVenAidIn March, Francesco Rocca, president of the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies, announced that the Red Cross was preparing to bring humanitarian aid to the country in April to help ease both the chronic hunger and the medical crisis. The Wall Street Journal said that the acceptance of humanitarian shipments by Maduro was his first acknowledgement that Venezuela is "suffering from an economic collapse." After a 9 April meeting with the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC), Maduro indicated for the first time that he was prepared to accept international aid. Guaidó called on Venezuelans to "stay vigilant to make sure incoming aid is not diverted for 'corrupt' purposes".
Following the joint report from Human Rights Watch and Johns Hopkins in April 2019, increasing announcements from the United Nations about the scale of the humanitarian crisis, and the softening of Maduro's position on receiving aid, the ICRC tripled its budget for aid to Venezuela. The first Red Cross delivery of supplies for hospitals arrived on 16 April, offering an encouraging sign that the Maduro administration would allow more aid to enter. According to The New York Times, "armed pro-government paramilitaries" fired weapons to disrupt the first Red Cross delivery, and officials associated with Maduro's party told the Red Cross to leave.
According to the Associated Press, having long denied that there was a humanitarian crisis in Venezuela, Maduro positioned the delivery "as a necessary measure to confront punishing U.S. economic sanctions." Having "rallied the international community", Guaidó "quickly claimed credit for the effort."
Revocation of Guaidó's parliamentary immunity
Chief justice Maikel Moreno asked that the Constituent Assembly (ANC), controlled by Maduro loyalists, remove Guaidó's parliamentary immunity as president of the National Assembly, moving the Maduro administration a step closer towards prosecuting Guaidó. Guaidó supporters disagree that the Maduro-backed institutions have the authority to ban Guaidó from leaving the country and consider acts of the ANC "null and void". The Venezuelan Constitution provides that only the National Assembly can bring the president to trial by approving the legal proceeding in a "merit hearing". On 2 April, after the ANC voted to remove his parliamentary immunity, Guaidó promised to continue fighting "Maduro's 'cowardly, miserable and murderous' regime."
Military uprising attempt
Main article: 2019 Venezuelan uprising attemptOn 19 April, Guaidó called for a "definite end of the usurpation" and the "largest march in history" on 1 May. Coinciding with his speech, NetBlocks stated that state-run CANTV again blocked access to social media in Venezuela. On 30 April 2019, Leopoldo López, who was held under house arrest by the Maduro administration, was freed on orders from Guaidó. The two men, flanked by members of the Venezuelan armed forces near La Carlota Air Force Base in Caracas, announced an uprising, stating that this was the final phase of "Operation Freedom". Though Guaidó said his forces held La Carlota, when supporters approached the base, Guaidó and a few dozen supporters stayed in a nearby overpass outside.
Maduro was not seen during the day, but he appeared with his Defense Minister Padrino on that evening's televised broadcast, and announced he would replace Manuel Cristopher Figuera, Director General of the Bolivarian Intelligence Service (SEBIN), who had broken with Maduro during the uprising, saying it was time to "rebuild the country" and that "scoundrels were plundering the country." The United States said Maduro had prepared to leave Venezuela that morning, but Russia and Cuba helped convince him to stay. Both Russia and Maduro denied that he had plans to leave Venezuela.
Guaidó's supporters were forced to retreat by security forces using tear gas. Colectivos fired on protesters with live ammunition, and one protester was shot in the head and killed. Human Rights Watch said it believed that "security forces fired shotgun pellets at demonstrators and journalists." By the end of the day, one protester had died, and López was at the Spanish embassy, while about 25 military personnel received asylum in the Panamanian embassy in Caracas.
Guaidó acknowledged he had received insufficient military backing, but added that "Maduro did not have the support nor the respect of the Armed Forces" and called for strikes beginning on 2 May, with the aim of a general strike later in the month. Russia and the US each charged the other with interference in another country's affairs.
Negotiations
See also: Negotiations during the Venezuelan crisis § 2019 presidential crisisFollowing the failed military uprising, momentum surrounding Guaidó had subsided and fewer supporters gathered at demonstrations, with Guaidó resorting to negotiations with Maduro. Guaidó's deputy chief Rafael Del Rosario acknowledged that the debacle on 30 April made the prospect of removing Maduro more difficult. Beginning negotiations was a setback for Guaidó's movement, with the Associated Press stating, "Participation in the mediation effort is a reversal for the opposition, which has accused Maduro of using negotiations between 2016 and 2018 to play for time". According to the New York Times, years of difficulties has made Maduro "adept at managing, if not solving, cascading crises", while Phil Gunson of the International Crisis Group stated that despite facing issues, Maduro "must be very pleased that he is now in the driving seat", with the ability to use the actions of Guaidó and international actors for propaganda purposes. By May 2019, Trump had decided that Guaidó was weak; Bolton attributed a change of Trump's position to a comment made by President of Russia Vladimir Putin to Trump in a phone call that Guaidó's claim to the presidency would be the equivalent of Hillary Clinton declaring herself president following the 2016 United States presidential election.
Representatives of Guaidó and Maduro began mediation with the assistance of the Norwegian Centre for Conflict Resolution (NOREF), with Jorge Rodríguez and Héctor Rodríguez serving as representatives for Maduro while Gerardo Blyde [es] and Stalin González were representatives for Guaidó. Guaidó confirmed that there was an envoy in Norway, but assured that the opposition would not take part in "any kind of false negotiation" and that talks must lead to Maduro's resignation, a transitional administration and free and fair elections.
In July 2019, Norway's commission carried out a third round of discussions between Guaidó's and Maduro's representatives in Barbados. By August 2019, the Maduro administration decided to halt talks with Guaidó's commission after Trump administration imposed new additional sanctions on Venezuela, ordering a freeze on all Venezuelan government assets in the United States and barred transactions with US citizens and companies.
Second visit of the OHCHR
Ahead of a three-week session of the UN Human Rights Council, the OHCHR chief, Michelle Bachelet, visited Venezuela from 19 to 21 June. The Human Rights Commissioner met separately with both Maduro and Guaidó during her visit, as well as with Maduro's Attorney General Tarek William Saab, several human right activists, and families of victims who experienced torture and state repression. Protests occurred in front of the UN office in Caracas during the last day of the visit, denouncing rights abuses carried out by Maduro's administration. Gilber Caro, who was released two days before the visit, joined the protest. Bachelet announced the creation of a delegation maintained by two UN officials that will remain in Venezuela to monitor the humanitarian situation. Bachelet expressed concern that the recent sanctions on oil exports and gold trade could worsen the crisis that has increased since 2013, calling the measures "extremely broad" and that they are capable of exacerbating the suffering of the Venezuelan people. She also called for the release of political prisoners in Venezuela. This was the first time a United Nations High Commissioner of Human Rights visited Venezuela.
The final published report addressed the extrajudicial executions, torture, forced disappearances and other human rights violations reportedly committed by Venezuelan security forces in the recent years. Bachelet expressed her concerns for the "shockingly high" number of extrajudicial killings and urged for the dissolution of the Special Action Forces (FAES). According to the report, 1,569 cases of executions as consequence as a result of "resistance to authority" were registered by the Venezuelan authorities from 1 January to 19 March. Other 52 deaths that occurred during 2019 protests were attributed to colectivos. The report also details how the Venezuelan government "aimed at neutralising, repressing and criminalising political opponents and people critical of the government" since 2016.
Guaidó supported the investigation, stating "the systematic violation of human rights, the repression, the torture... is clearly identified in the (UN) report". Maduro administration described the report as a "biased vision" and demanded it be "corrected". In the words of his foreign minister, "It's a text lacking in scientific rigor, with serious errors in methodology and which seems like a carbon copy of previous reports". Maduro would later state that the OHCHR "has declared itself an enemy" to Maduro and the Bolivarian Revolution.
Speaking to reporters after the UN Human Rights Council, Bachelet announced the release of 22 Venezuelan prisoners, including 20 students, judge Maria Lourdes Afiuni, in her second house arrest since March, and journalist Braulio Jatar, arrested in 2016. Bachelet welcomed the conditional releases and the acceptance of the two officers delegation as "the beginning of positive engagement on the country's many human rights issues".
In October 2019, Venezuela competed for one of the two seats to the United Nations Human Rights Council, along with Brazil and Costa Rica, and was elected with 105 votes in a secret ballot by the 193-member United Nations General Assembly. Brazil was re-elected with 153 votes, while Costa Rica was not having garnered 96 votes and entering the month of the election as competition to Venezuela. The United States, Lima Group and human rights groups lobbied against Venezuela's election.
On 16 September 2020, the United Nations accused the Maduro government of crimes against humanity.
Torture and death of Acosta Arévalo
On 26 June, Maduro said that his government had arrested several defecting military, thus foiling a plot to remove him from power and to assassinate him, his wife and Diosdado Cabello. The alleged plan also included the rescue of Raúl Baduel, a retired general imprisoned for a second time in 2017, to install him as president. Maduro accused Israel, Colombia, Chile and the United States of involvement in the plot. Jorge Rodríguez said that the foiled plan involved the bombing of a government building, the seizing of La Carlota air base, and a bank robbery. Guaidó dismissed the allegations as lies; opposition members have frequently accused Maduro of coercion of arrested suspects and fabrication of plots for political gain.
In the wake of the coup allegations, an alleged kidnapping attempt directed at members of Guaidó's entourage occurred on a Caracas highway. Eight armed men on motorcycles dressed as civilians allegedly surrounded a vehicle containing two of Guaidó's aides. Guaidó, who was in a car further ahead, spoke with the armed civilians, according to photos and a video released by his press team and published by Infobae. According to Guaidó, the group received orders from the Venezuelan Military Counter-intelligence agency DGCIM, but were not "hostile".
Navy captain Rafael Acosta Arévalo, who had been arrested on charges related to the alleged foiled coup attempt and transferred to a military hospital, died during detention on 28 June. Maduro administration did not provide a cause of death but announced an investigation on the matter. Acosta Arevalo's wife, human rights advocates, Juan Guaidó and the US Department of State accused Maduro's administration of torturing the captain to death. The Lima Group and the European Union called for an independent investigation. The preliminary autopsy determined that Acosta Arévalo's cause of death was "severe cerebral edema caused by acute respiratory failure caused by a pulmonary embolism caused by rhabdomyolysis by multiple trauma".
Operación Alacrán
See also: Operación AlacránJohn Magdaleno, Venezuelan consultantThe conditions for any political change in 2020 are getting ever more remote.
An investigation led by Armando.info reported that nine members of the National Assembly defended individuals sanctioned by the United States for their involvement in the controversial Local Committees for Supply and Production (CLAP) program. The investigation reported that the implicated lawmakers had written letters of support to the United States Treasury and others to a Colombian man named Carlos Lizcano, who authorities were investigating over his possible links to Alex Saab, a Colombian businessman associated with the food distribution program and under United States sanctions. According to Armando.info, the lawmakers wrote the letters despite being aware of evidence that tied Lizcano to Saab. Guaidó condemned the actions of the nine legislators, suspending them from their positions and stating that it was "unacceptable to use a state institution to attempt to whitewash the reputation of thieves". The scandal damaged Guaidó's reputation among his supporters in Venezuela, with some members of the opposition beginning to call for new leadership, according to analysts and those involved.
The Maduro government increased its pressure by "deploying bribes, intimidation and repression" attempting to divide the opposition to maintain power.
Dollarization
Following increased sanctions throughout 2019, the Maduro government abandoned policies established by Chávez such as price and currency controls. In a November 2019 interview with José Vicente Rangel, President Maduro described dollarization as an "escape valve" that helps the recovery of the country, the spread of productive forces in the country and the economy. However, Maduro said that the Venezuelan bolívar would still remain as the national currency. The Economist wrote that Venezuela had also obtained "extra money from selling gold, both from illegal mines and from its reserves, and narcotics". Its article continued to explain that the improving economy led to more difficulties for Guaidó as Venezuelans who had a better situation were less likely to protest against Maduro.
2020 events
Juan Guaidó trying to enter the National Assembly of Venezuela before the police blockade on 5 January 2020.Officers of the Venezuelan National Guard blocking off access to the Palacio Federal Legislativo on 5 January 2020.Internal parliamentary election disrupted
Main article: 2020 Venezuelan National Assembly Delegated Committee electionThe 2020 Venezuelan National Assembly Delegated Committee election of 5 January, to elect the Board of Directors of the National Assembly was disrupted. The events resulted in two competing claims for the Presidency of the National Assembly: one by Luis Parra and one by Juan Guaidó. Parra was formerly a member of Justice First, but was expelled from the party on 20 December 2019 based on the Operación Alacrán corruption allegations, which he denied. From inside the legislature, Parra declared himself president of the National Assembly, a move that was welcomed by the Maduro administration. The opposition disputed this outcome, saying that quorum had not been achieved and that no votes were counted. Police forces had blocked access to parliament to some opposition members, including Guaidó and journalists. Later in the day, a separate session was carried out at the headquarters of El Nacional newspaper, where 100 of the 167 deputies voted to re-elect Guaidó as president of the parliament.
Guaidó was sworn in a session on 7 January after forcing his way in through police barricades. On the same day, Parra reiterated his claim to the parliament's presidency.
Russia is the only foreign government to have officially recognized Luis Parra's investiture, while the European Union, the United States, Canada, and most Latin American countries recognized Guaidó's re-election.
Guaidó second international tour
On 19 January, Guaidó once again exited Venezuela and arrived in Colombia, planning to meet with Mike Pompeo, as well as traveling to Europe and the United States later, defying his exit prohibition for a second time. Guaidó travelled to Brussels, Belgium, and on 22 January met with Margaritis Schinas, Vice-President of the European Commission, and Josep Borrell, High Representative of the European Union for Foreign Affairs. On 23 January, Guaidó participated in the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland. During his trip in Europe, Guaidó also met with Boris Johnson, Emmanuel Macron, and Angela Merkel. Afterwards, Guaidó travelled to Canada and met with Prime Minister Justin Trudeau. On February 4, he was invited to President Donald Trump's 2020 State of the Union address to Congress, and was applauded by the crowd, which was composed of members of both Democratic and Republican parties.
Diosdado Cabello declared that "nothing" would happen to Guaidó when he returned to Venezuela. After meeting with Donald Trump in the White House, Constituent Assembly member Pedro Carreño said that if Guaidó wanted to come back as "commander-in-chief", "we will receive him with this peinilla", hitting his podium with a machete. Guaidó was allowed back into Venezuela by officials through Simón Bolívar International Airport on 12 February, despite the travel ban imposed by Maduro's government.
Security forces installed an anti-aircraft gun in the Caracas-La Guaira highway and blocked the highway; opposition deputies had to reach the airport on foot to receive Guaidó. Due to the block, several ambassadors were also unable to go to the airport. Upon Guaidó's arrival at the Simón Bolívar International Airport, around two hundred Maduro supporters surrounded and jostled Guaidó, his wife Fabiana Rosales and several opposition deputies that waited for him at the airport. Some journalists were also attacked and had their equipment stolen by the group. Tens of military and police officials were present and did not intervene to prevent the attack. Several passengers declared to local outlets that Maduro's administration sent a group of pro-government activists to insult and harass the opposition members with impunity, including employees of the recently sanctioned Conviasa airline. The Inter American Press Association condemned the attacks on the journalists.
The following day, the opposition and relatives denounced that Guaidó's uncle, Juan José Márquez, had been missing for 24 hours after receiving his nephew in the airport, blaming Maduro's government. His wife declared that Márquez was detained in the migration area and that his whereabouts were unknown. Afterwards, in his television talk show Con El Mazo Dando, Diosdado Cabello accused Márquez of carrying explosives when he landed in Venezuela. Hours later, a court formalized Márquez's detention, copying Cabello's accusations. Márquez was detained in the Caracas headquarters of the Directorate General of Military Counterintelligence, despite him being a civilian.
Barquisimeto shooting
Main article: 2020 Barquisimeto shootingOn 29 February Juan Guaidó mobilized a march against the government of Nicolás Maduro in the Juan de Villegas parish, Barquisimeto, Lara state. The day of the march, pro-government colectivos shot at Guaidó, who was in a van at the time of the shooting. Bolivarian National Intelligence Service agents were also reported of having participated in the attack. Guaidó's vehicle received nine gunshots and the shooting left a total of ten wounded.
COVID-19 pandemic
Main article: COVID-19 pandemic in VenezuelaThe COVID-19 pandemic was confirmed to have spread to Venezuela on 13 March, when the Maduro administration announced the first two cases. On 16 March, Maduro reversed the country's official position against the International Monetary Fund (IMF), asking the institution for US$5 billion to combat the pandemic, a first during Maduro's presidency, being a critic of the institution. The IMF rejected the deal as it was not clear, among its member states, on who it recognizes as Venezuela's president. According to a report by Bloomberg, the Maduro administration also tried to request aid of $1 billion from the IMF after the first request was denied. Guaidó called for the creation of a "national emergency government", not led by Maduro, on 28 March. According to Guaidó, a loan of US$1.2 billion was ready to be given in support of a power-sharing coalition between pro-Maduro officials, the military and the opposition in order to fight the pandemic in Venezuela. If accepted, the money would go to assist families affected by the disease and its economic consequences.
US Department of Justice indictment
On 26 March, the US Department of State offered $15 million on Nicolás Maduro, and $10 million each on Diosdado Cabello, Hugo Carvajal, Clíver Alcalá Cordones and Tareck El Aissami, for information leading to their arrest in relation to charges of drug trafficking and narco-terrorism. Maduro had been offering to hold talks with the opposition about handling the outbreak in the country shortly before the indictment and then called them off.
After being indicted, retired general Clíver Alcalá in Colombia published a video claiming responsibility for a stockpile of weapons and military equipment seized in Colombia. According to Alcalá, he had made a contract with Guaidó and "American advisers" in order to buy weapons to remove Maduro. Alcalá did not present any evidence and Guaidó rejected the allegations. After wishing farewell to his family, Alcalá surrendered to US authorities on 27 March.
Transitional government proposals
On 31 March, US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo said that sanctions did not apply to humanitarian aid during the COVID-19 pandemic in Venezuela and that the US would lift all sanctions if Maduro agreed to organize elections that did not include himself in a period of six to twelve months. Pompeo reiterated US support for Juan Guaidó. The US proposed a transitional government that would exclude both Maduro and Guaidó from the presidency. The deal would enforce a power-sharing scenario between the different government factions. Elections would have to be held within the year, and all foreign militaries, particularly Cuba and Russia, would have to leave the country. The US were still seeking Maduro's arrest at the time of the announcement. Other aspects of the US deal would include releasing all political prisoners and setting up a five-person council to lead the country; two members each chosen by Maduro and Guaidó would sit on the council, with the last member selected by the four. The European Union also agreed to remove sanctions if the deal went ahead. Experts have noted that the deal is similar to earlier proposals but explicitly mentions who would lead a transitional government, something which stalled previous discussions, and comes shortly after the US indicted Maduro, which might pressure him to peacefully leave power. Guaidó accepted the proposal while Venezuela's foreign minister Jorge Arreaza rejected it and declared that only parliamentary elections would take place in 2020. Arreaza said that "decisions about Venezuela would be made in Caracas and not in Washington or other capitals" and that "the most important transition for Venezuela was the one started many years ago from capitalism to socialism."
After various members of Guaidó's team were arrested on 30 March, Guaidó denounced a new wave of attacks against him. Following that, Attorney General Tarek William Saab called Juan Guaidó to appear before the Public Ministry on 2 April based on Alcalá's accusations. Guaidó did not accept to appear before the public prosecutor. The day of the citation, two more members of Guaidó's office were arrested, charged for alleged "attempted coup d'etat" and "magnicide". Guaidó's team reported that "With this new assault by the dictatorship, there are now 10 members that have been detained by security forces. Five of them in the last 72 hours."
Reuters reported that during the pandemic allies of both Nicolás Maduro and Juan Guaidó had secretly begun exploratory talks, according to sources on both sides. Guaidó and US Special Representative for Venezuela Elliott Abrams have denied that negotiations have taken place. The Associated Press reported that the National Assembly agreed to establish a monthly $5,000 salary for the lawmakers funded from an $80 million "Liberation Fund" made up of Venezuelan assets seized by the Trump administration. Guaidó's communications team issued a statement denying that such salary had been approved, saying that lawmakers have gone unpaid since Maduro cut off funding after the opposition won the legislature in 2015 and that the deputies would determine an appropriate, as well as communicating it transparently. It also said that the $14 million in funding destined for the National Assembly would cover not only the deputies' personal income, but also office expenses, staff costs, travel and other related legislative expenses.
Operation Gideon
Main article: Operation Gideon (2020)Eight former Venezuelan soldiers were killed and seventeen rebels were captured on 3 May, including two American security contractors, after approximately 60 men landed in Macuto and tried to invade Venezuela. The members of the naval attack force were employed as private military contractors by Silvercorp USA and the operation aimed to depose Maduro from power.
Parliamentary election
Main article: 2020 Venezuelan parliamentary electionThe opposition parties that make up the Democratic Unity Roundtable coalition agreed unanimously not to participate in the election, stating the reason as irregularities and their complaints during the planning of the process and arguing that it was likely the election would be fraudulent. Twenty-seven political parties signed the agreement, including the four largest opposition parties Popular Will, Justice First, Democratic Action and A New Era.
The opposition criticized the appointment of the members of the National Electoral Council by the Supreme Tribunal, stating that it is under the purview of the National Assembly, and at least seven political parties had their board of directors suspended or replaced by the pro-government Supreme Tribunal of Justice, including Popular Will, Justice First, Democratic Action, and Copei, as well as left-wing political parties, including Tupamaro, Fatherland for All, and Red Flag. Opposition politicians Henrique Capriles and Stalin González initially encouraged participation in the elections. They later withdrew and demanded better electoral conditions.
The Lima Group, the International Contact Group, the European Union and the United States rejected holding parliamentary elections in 2020, insisting in the necessity of holding elections "with free and fair conditions". The International Contact Group, headed by Uruguay, stated the formation of the Electoral Council "undermines the credibility of the next electoral process." The Organization of American States (OAS) stated the appointment of the Electoral Council was "illegal", rejecting it, and further stated that independent bodies are needed for "transparent, free and fair" elections to take place in the country. In July, the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights, headed by Michelle Bachelet, said that "the recent decisions of the Supreme Tribunal of Justice diminish the possibility to build conditions for democratic and credible electoral processes" and "appoint new National Electoral Council rectors without the consensus of all the political forces."
2021 events
As a response to the position of the Popular Will party of focusing on a timetable for presidential, parliamentary and regional elections, Leopoldo López said that "telling us from Europe that we are maximalist because we want freedom is a colonialist comment that we should renounce our dream of freedom when you already have it."
On 5 August 2021, Mexican President Andrés Manuel López Obrador announced that Mexico would host talks between the Maduro government and the political opposition.
2022 events
San Carlos attack
On 11 June 2022, pro-government followers attacked Guaidó after an opposition march in San Carlos, Cojedes state, throwing objects at him and violently removing him from the restaurant he was holding a meeting in. Nosliw Rodríguez, former PSUV deputy and candidate for the Cojedes governorship, was identified as one of the people that led the attack against Guaidó.
Interim government dissolution
On 30 December 2022, three of the four main political parties (Justice First, Democratic Action and A New Era) backed a reform of the Statute for the Transition to Democracy to dissolve the interim government and create a commission of five members to manage foreign assets, stating that the interim government had failed to achieve the goals it had set. The amendment was voted by the opposition National Assembly as deputies sought a united strategy ahead of the presidential elections scheduled for 2024. The reform was approved with 72 votes in favor, 29 against and 8 abstentions.
Recognition, reactions, and public opinion
Main article: Responses to the Venezuelan presidential crisisAt his peak, Guaidó's claim as the interim president of Venezuela was recognized 57 countries, "including the US, Canada and most Latin American and European countries". Other countries were divided between a neutral position, support for the National Assembly in general without endorsing Guaidó, and support for Maduro's presidency; internationally, support followed traditional geopolitical lines, with Russia, China, Iran, Syria, Cuba, and Turkey supporting Maduro, and the US, Canada, and most of Western Europe supporting Guaidó.
The European Parliament recognized Guaidó as interim president. In 2019, the European Union unanimously recognized the National Assembly, but Italy dissented on recognizing Guaidó. In January 2021, the European Union stopped recognizing Guaidó's claim, but still did not recognize Maduro as the legitimate president; the European Parliament reaffirmed its recognition of Guaidó as president, and the EU threatened with further sanctions.
The OAS approved a resolution on 10 January 2019 "to not recognize the legitimacy of Nicolás Maduro's new term". In a 24 January special OAS session, sixteen countries including the US recognized Guaidó as interim president, but they did not achieve the majority needed for a resolution. The United Nations called for dialogue and deescalation of tension, but could not agree on any other path for resolving the crisis. Twelve of the fourteen members of the Lima Group recognize Guaidó; Beatriz Becerra—on the day after she retired as head of the human rights subcommittee for the European Parliament—said that the International Contact Group, jointly sponsored by Uruguay and Mexico, had been of no use and "has been an artifact that has served no purpose since it was created". She said there had been no progress on the 90-day deadline for elections that the group established when it was formed, and she considered that the Contact Group should be terminated and efforts coordinated through the Lima Group. During the 49th General Assembly of the Organization of American States, on 27 June, Guaidó's presidency was recognized by the organization.
The Venezuelan Observatory of Social Conflictivity stated that there were on average 69 protests daily in Venezuela during the first three months of 2019, for a total of 6,211 protests, representing a significant increase over previous years (157% of protests for the same period in 2018, and 395% relative to the number in 2017).
Following the failed uprising on 30 April, support for Guaidó declined, attendance to his demonstrations subsided and participants in committees organized by Guaidó stated that there has been little progress. Reuters reported in June that analysts have predicted that Maduro would maintain his position as he gains confidence that his actions against the opposition go "relatively unpunished".
By the end of 2019, support for Guaidó dropped, with protests organized by his movement resulting with low participation. Pollster Datanálisis published figures showing that support for Guaidó decreased from 61% in February to 42% in November 2019. According to Jesús Seguías, the head of the Venezuelan analysis firm Datincorp, "For years Washington and the Venezuelan opposition have said that Nicolás Maduro, and before him Hugo Chávez, were weak and about to fall but it's clear that's not the case". Analyst Carlos Pina stated that as "he military support to President Maduro remains intact", the opposition will need to "rethink its strategy" and that "Guaidó has also been very limited in suggesting or proposing a strategy that could change the current ." Into December 2019, Venezuelan pollster Meganálisis surveys showed that 10% of respondents approved of Guaidó, compared to 9% who supported Maduro.
As of January 2023, following the opposition vote to dissolve Guaidó's interim government, the United States stopped recognizing Guaidó's presidential claim. A spokesperson for the White House and State Department said that the US "recognized the National Assembly elected in 2015, which Guaidó had led, as Venezuela's 'only remaining democratically elected institution'."
Defections
Main article: Venezuelan crisis defectionThe Miami Herald reported that dozens of arrests were made in anticipation of a military uprising, and Defense Minister Vladimir Padrino López ordered a counterintelligence effort to locate conspirators or possible defectors. According to France 24, Maduro declared "military deserters who fled to Colombia have become mercenaries" as part of a "US-backed coup". Guaidó declared that the opposition had held secret meetings with military officials to discuss the Amnesty Law.
Hugo Carvajal, the head of Venezuela's military intelligence for ten years during Hugo Chávez's presidency and "one of the government's most prominent figures", publicly broke with Maduro and endorsed Guaidó as acting president. During the 30 April 2019 uprising attempt, Manuel Cristopher Figuera, the Director General of Venezuela's National Intelligence Service, SEBIN, broke with Maduro.
Certain top military figures recognized Guaidó, and around 1,400 military personnel have defected to Colombia, but the top military command stays loyal to the government.
Following the 23 January events, some Venezuelan diplomats in the United States supported Guaidó; the majority returned to Venezuela on Maduro's orders.
Foreign military involvement
Main article: Foreign involvement during the Venezuelan presidential crisisIn early 2019, with Cuban and Russian-backed security forces in the country, United States military involvement became the subject of speculation. Senior U.S. officials have declared that "all options are on the table", but they have also said that "our objective is a peaceful transfer of power". Colombian guerrillas from National Liberation Army (ELN) have vowed to defend Maduro, with ELN leaders in Cuba stating that they have been drafting plans to provide military assistance to Maduro.
Article 187 of the Venezuelan Constitution provides that "t shall be the function of the National Assembly: (11) To authorize the operation of Venezuelan military missions abroad or foreign military missions within the country." In every demonstration summoned by Guaidó, there have been numerous signs demanding the application of Article 187, and a March poll showed 87.5% support for foreign intervention. Venezuelan politicians such María Corina Machado and Antonio Ledezma, former mayor of Caracas, have also demanded the application of the article.
According to Giancarlo Fiorella, writing in Foreign Affairs, the "loudest calls for intervention are coming not from the White House and its media mouthpieces but from some members of the Venezuelan opposition and from residents of the country desperate for a solution—any solution—to their years-long plight." Fiorella states that "talk of invoking article 187(11) has become commonplace" in Venezuela, adding that "the push for a military intervention in Venezuela is most intense not among hawks in Washington but inside the country itself."
Guaidó has said he would call for intervention "when the time comes", but in media interviews, he has not stated he supports removing Maduro by force. The National Assembly approved in July 2019 the reincorporation of Venezuela to the Inter-American Treaty of Reciprocal Assistance, a mutual defense pact signed in 1947 that has never been enacted and from which Venezuela retired in 2013. Venezuela's reincorporation to the pact "can be used to request military assistance against foreign troops inside the country."
In a 4 December 2019 interview with Vox, Guaidó stated: "We sense a firm commitment from the United States. I think they're doing everything they could be doing under these circumstances, as are Colombia and Brazil." When asked if he was nearer from removing Maduro from power than in January 2019, Guaidó replied: "Absolutely. Back then we didn't have multiple countries recognizing and supporting us. Today, we have way more tools at our disposal than we did one year ago." Bloomberg News reported two days later that the Trump administration began to doubt that an opposition led by Guaidó would remove Maduro from office. The United States reportedly had no military option regarding Venezuela, although it began to debate on whether to partner with Russia to encourage Maduro to leave office or to increase pressure on Cuba, which is the Maduro government's main supporter.
Cuban presence
According to professor Erick Langer of Georgetown University, "Cuba and Russia have already intervened." A Cuban military presence of at least 15,000 personnel was in Venezuela in early 2018, while estimates ranging from hundreds to thousands of Cuban security forces were reported in 2019. In April 2019, Trump threatened a "full and complete embargo, together with highest-level sanctions" on Cuba if its troops do not cease operations in Venezuela.
Russian presence
Two nuclear weapon-capable Russian planes landed in Venezuela in December 2018 in what Reuters called a "show of support for Maduro's socialist government."
According to the Kremlin, there are about 100 Russian military personnel in Venezuela "to repair equipment and provide technical co-operation". On 23 March 2019, two Russian planes landed in Venezuela carrying 99 troops and 35 tonnes of matériel. Alexey Seredin from the Russian Embassy in Caracas said the two planes were "part of an effort to maintain Maduro's defense apparatus, which includes Sukhoi fighter jets and anti-aircraft systems purchased from Russia."
National Assembly deputy Williams Dávila said the National Assembly would investigate the "penetration of foreign forces in Venezuela."
Assets and reserves
Venezuela's third-largest export (after crude oil and refined petroleum products) is gold. The World Gold Council reported in January 2019 that Venezuela's foreign-held gold reserves had fallen by 69% to US$8.4 billion during Maduro's presidency. In 2018, Maduro's government exported $900 million worth of gold out of Venezuela into Erdoğan's Turkey. In April 2019, Rubio warned the United Arab Emirates and Turkey not be "accomplices" in the "outrageous crime" of exporting Venezuela's gold.
In mid-December 2018, a Venezuelan delegation went to London to arrange for the Bank of England to return the $1.2 billion in gold bullion that Venezuela stores at the bank. Unnamed sources told Bloomberg that the Bank of England declined the transfer due to a request from US Secretary of State Pompeo and National Security Adviser Bolton, who wanted to "cut off the regime from its overseas assets". In his memoir The Room Where It Happened, Bolton said UK Foreign Minister Jeremy Hunt was "delighted to cooperate on steps they could take, for example freezing Venezuela's gold deposits in the Bank of England, so the regime could not sell the gold to keep itself going". In an interview with the BBC, Maduro asked Britain to return the gold instead of sending humanitarian aid, saying that the gold was "legally Venezuela's, it belongs to the Central Bank of Venezuela" and could be used to solve the country's problems. Guaidó asked the British government to ensure that the Bank of England does not provide the gold to the Maduro government. Maduro also said that the US has frozen $10 billion in Venezuelan accounts through its sanctions.
In mid-February 2019, a National Assembly legislator Ángel Alvarado said that eight tonnes of gold worth over US$340 million had been taken from the vault while the head of the Central Bank was abroad. In March, Ugandan investigators reported that the gold could have been smuggled into that country. Government sources said another eight tonnes of gold was taken out of the Central Bank in the first week of April 2019; the government source said that there were 100 tonnes left. The gold was removed while minimal staff was present and the bank was not fully operational because of the ongoing, widespread power outages; the destination of the gold was not known.
In 2009, Venezuela's foreign reserves peaked at US$43 billion; by July 2017, they had fallen below $10 billion "for the first time in 15 years", and as of March 2019, they had dropped to US$8 billion. About two-thirds of Venezuela's reserves are in gold. Part of Venezuela's remaining reserves are held by the International Monetary Fund (IMF) in financial instruments called SDRs. In 2018, Venezuela had almost $1 billion in IMF SDRs, but it had drawn US$600 million in one year. To access SDR reserves, IMF rules require than a government be recognized by a majority of IMF members, and there is no majority recognition for either man claiming the Venezuelan presidency; the IMF denied Maduro access to the remaining US$400 million—"one of the regime's last remaining sources of cash" according to Bloomberg. The IMF has not recognized Guaidó; Ricardo Hausmann—Guaidó's representative recognized by the Inter-American Development Bank—said the "IMF is safeguarding the assets until a new government takes over. 'Those funds will be available when this usurpation ends.'" The US has given Guaidó control of "key Venezuelan bank accounts", and has said it will give Guaidó control of US assets once his administration is in power.
The Portuguese bank Novo Banco stopped Maduro's attempt to transfer over US$1 billion through BANDES subsidiary, Banco Bandes Uruguay, in early 2019. Over two months later, Maduro responded that Portugal had illegally blocked the money, and asked that it be returned to buy food and medicine.
In 2020, the English High Court ruled in favor of Juan Guaidó in a hearing over whether Guaidó or Nicolás Maduro should control $1 billion of its gold stored in the Bank of London.
In 2022, the United Kingdom Supreme Court ruled in favor of Juan Guaidó again regarding the control of the gold stored in the Bank of London.
Sanctions
Main articles: International sanctions during the Venezuelan crisis and U.S. sanctions during the Venezuelan crisisDuring the crisis in Venezuela, the United States, Canada, Mexico, Panama, Switzerland individually, and the countries of the European Union collectively, have applied sanctions against people associated with Maduro's administration, including government officials, members of the military and security forces, and private individuals. As of 27 March 2018, the Washington Office on Latin America said 78 Venezuelans associated with Maduro had been sanctioned by several countries.
On 15 January 2019, the National Assembly approved legislation to work with dozens of foreign countries to request that these nations freeze Maduro administration bank accounts.
Through April 2019, the U.S. sanctioned more than 150 companies, vessels and individuals, in addition to revoking visas of 718 individuals associated with Maduro.
Christian Krüger Sarmiento, director of Colombia Migration, announced on 30 January 2019 that the Colombian government maintained a list of people banned from entering Colombia or subject to expulsion. As of January 2019, the list had 200 people with a "close relationship and support for the Nicolás Maduro regime", but Krüger said the initial list could increase or decrease.
As the humanitarian crisis deepened and expanded, the Trump administration levied more serious economic sanctions against Venezuela. In January 2019, during the presidential crisis, the United States imposed sanctions on the Venezuelan state-owned oil and natural gas company PDVSA to pressure Maduro to resign.
On 15 April 2019, Canada announced that another round of sanctions on 43 individuals were applied on 12 April based on the Special Economic Measures Act. The government statement said those sanctioned are "high ranking officials of the Maduro regime, regional governors and/or directly implicated in activities undermining democratic institutions".
The United States Department of the Treasury has also placed restrictions on transactions with digital currency emitted by or in the name of the government of Venezuela, referencing "Petro", a DIGITAL token. and on Venezuela's gold industry. After the detention of Guaidó's chief of staff, Roberto Marrero, in March 2019, the US also sanctioned the Venezuelan bank BANDES and its subsidiaries.
The Treasury Department sanctioned seven additional individuals for their involvement in the disputed internal parliamentary elections of the National Assembly in January 2020.
An October 2020 report published by the Washington Office on Latin America (WOLA) by Venezuelan economist Luis Oliveros found that "while Venezuela's economic crisis began before the first U.S. sectoral sanctions were imposed in 2017, these measures 'directly contributed to its deep decline, and to the further deterioration of the quality of life of Venezuelans' ". The report concluded that economic sanctions "have cost Venezuela's government as much as $31 billion since 2017"
Censorship and media control
Main article: Censorship and media control during the Venezuelan presidential crisisThe Venezuelan press workers union denounced that in 2019, 40 journalists had been illegally detained as of 12 March; the National Assembly Parliamentary Commission for Media declared that there had been 173 aggressions against press workers as of 13 March. As of June 2019, journalists have been denied access to seven sessions of the National Assembly by the National Guard.
Between 12 January and 18 January, Internet access to Misplaced Pages (in all languages) was blocked in Venezuela after Guaidó's page on the Spanish Misplaced Pages was edited to show him as president. Later on 21 January, the day of the National Guard mutiny in Cotiza, Internet access to some social media was reported blocked for CANTV users. The Venezuelan government denied it had engaged in blocking. During the 23 January protests, widespread Internet outages for CANTV users were reported.
Live streams of the National Assembly sessions and Guaidó's speeches have been regularly disrupted for CANTV users. Since 22 January, some radio programs have been ordered off air; other programs have been temporarily canceled or received censorship warnings, including a threat to close private television and radio stations if they recognized Guaidó as acting president or interim president of Venezuela.
The website "Voluntarios X Venezuela" was promoted by Guaidó and the National Assembly to gather volunteers for humanitarian aid. Between 12 and 13 February, CANTV users that tried to access were redirected to a mirror site with a different URL address. The mirror site asked for personal information, including names, ID, address and telephone numbers. The phishing website used the .ve domain controlled by Conatel. This manipulation was denounced as a technique to identify dissidents to the government. Following the phishing incident, the official site was completely blocked for CANTV users on 16 February.
During the 2020 election to choose the president of the National Assembly, independent journalists were also impeded from covering the event. Maduro's Ministry of Information, which has no relationship to the National Assembly, allowed reporters from state-run media to enter the legislative palace. Other reporters were not allowed in and told to watch it on a live feed from outside. State communications service CANTV reportedly blocked access to social media sites Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, and YouTube on the day of the election. Block tracking website NetBlocks reported that the block began as the National Assembly session did.
During the COVID-19 pandemic in Venezuela, the National Assembly created a webpage to provide information on the coronavirus disease 2019 to the public. The access to the site was restricted for CANTV users. During Juan Guaidó's return to Venezuela in February 2020, after his second international tour, various media workers were insulted, harassed, robbed and physically aggressed by a group of supporters and pro-Maduro agitators that received him in the airport. According to the Venezuelan Press Working Union (SNTP), Venezuelan security forces were present and witnessed the attacks, but did not intervene. When journalists were going to file the complaint to the authorities, security forces impeded their access to the prosecutor office.
Closure of social media accounts
In September 2020, Facebook closed 55 accounts, 42 pages and 36 Instagram accounts linked to CLS Strategies, a Washington-based public relations firm. Facebook said these were fake accounts used to secretly manipulate politics in Bolivia, Venezuela and Mexico in violation of Facebook's prohibition on foreign interference. The Stanford Internet Observatory, a disinformation research group, reported that CLS Strategies employees had previous professional ties to opposition political leaders in Venezuela.
Arrests and detentions
Multiple individuals associated with Guaidó were arrested or detained by the Maduro government.
Roberto Marrero—Guaidó's chief of staff and Leopoldo López's attorney—was arrested by SEBIN during a raid on his home on 21 March. Gilber Caro, an alternate deputy and member of Guaidó's party, Popular Will, was re-arrested by the Bolivarian Intelligence Service on 26 April 2019. Eleven other members of Guaidó's team have been summoned to appear before SEBIN.
Most of the individuals who were seen with Guaidó during the attempted uprising and many legislators were either arrested or in hiding. In May 2019, the TSJ ordered the prosecution of seven National Assembly members for their actions on 30 April. The rival Constituent Assembly stripped the members of their parliamentary immunity. The National Assembly dismissed the sentence, holding that the members of the Tribunal are illegitimate and that their ruling violates the parliamentary immunity of the deputies. As of 2 May 2019, there were 205 arrests related to protests.
National Assembly Vice President Edgar Zambrano was arrested on 8 May 2019. With the seven deputies charged several crimes, an El País article stated that the Venezuelan parliament, elected to a majority in the 2015 elections, has been "systematically blocked" and dismembered by "political persecution" of 60% of its elected members. There was no preliminary merit hearing as required by law; an additional three deputies were indicted without a preliminary merit hearing. Three of the recently sanctioned members sought temporary refuge in foreign embassies.
On 13 July 2019, two of Guaidó's security guards were arrested in Caracas. According to Information Minister Jorge Rodríguez, the two guards had attempted to sell rifles that had been taken from a National Guard armory ahead of the failed uprising on 30 April 2019. Guaidó said that the guards were arrested while protecting his family during his tour around the country. He dismissed the weapon sale allegations and speculated that the authorities would torture and frame the two men by planting weapons on them. Rodríguez announced that evidence would be presented during the next round of talks.
See also
- 2024 Venezuelan political crisis
- International Conference on the Situation in Venezuela
- 2019 Bolivian political crisis
Notes
- Sources reporting on claims of the National Assembly being the "only democratically elected" or "only legitimate" political body in Venezuela include: The Wall Street Journal, The Washington Post, Financial Times, the BBC, Economic Times, CTV, Business Times, Reuters agency, CBC, etc.
- On unchecked power of the executive: Human Rights Watch 2018 report, Human Rights Watch 2017 report, Amnesty International, and Amnesty International on opposition.
- ^ See the full article in the Constitution of the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela.
- Later paragraphs describe what to do in the event of a vacancy due to "permanent unavailability to serve", depending on when the vacancy occurs.
- Prior to elected President's inauguration, "a new election shall take place The President of the National Assembly shall take charge of the Presidency of the Republic".
- During the first four years of President's six-year term, "a new election ... shall be held within thirty consecutive days ... The Executive Vice-President shall take charge of the Presidency of the Republic".
- During the last two years of President's six-year term, "the Executive Vice-President shall take over the Presidency of the Republic until such term is completed".
- ^ In August 2019, ambassador to the Czech Republic, Tamara Sujú, resigned. On September, Ricardo Hausmann also resigned as the Venezuelan representative to the Inter-American Development Bank.
- On 26 November 2019, Guaidó dismissed his ambassador in Colombia, Humberto Calderón, citing plans to change foreign policy. Venezuelan diplomat Diego Arria condemned the dismissal, calling it a "huge mistake."
- Diplomats from Argentina, Brazil, Canada, Chile, Ecuador, France, Germany, the Netherlands, Portugal, Romania, Spain and the United States received Guaidó at the airport.
- Foreign Affairs states "this figure is likely inflated—the surveys do not define what a military intervention under 187(11) would look like.
- The seven members are: José Calzadilla, Luis Florido, Mariela Magallanes [es], Américo De Grazia [es], Richard Blanco, Henry Ramos Allup and Edgar Zambrano. Edgar Zambrano order of prosecution was announced some days before the other six. Initially, the TSJ list included Andrés Delgado Velásquez but the name was later scrapped.
- Among the elected deputies in exile are Julio Borges, Gaby Arellano [es], José Manuel Olivares, Rosmit Mantilla, Dinorah Figuera, Sonia Medina, Ismael García, Germán Ferrer [es] and Adriana D'Elia [es]. Freddy Guevara is in the Chilean embassy. Gilber Caro is among those arrested. Juan Requesens is imprisoned.
- Freddy Superlano, Sergio Vergara and Juan Andrés Mejía were also indicted.
- Richard Blanco, Américo de Grazia [es], and Mariela Magallanes [es] sought temporary refuge in embassies.
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No independent government institutions remain today in Venezuela to act as a check on executive power. A series of measures by the Maduro and Chávez governments stacked the courts with judges who make no pretense of independence. The government has been repressing dissent through often-violent crackdowns on street protests, jailing opponents, and prosecuting civilians in military courts. It has also stripped power from the opposition-led legislature. ...In 2017, President Maduro convened a 'Constituent Assembly' by presidential decree, despite a constitutional requirement that a public referendum be held before any effort to rewrite the Constitution. The assembly is made up exclusively of government supporters chosen through an election that Smartmatic, a British company hired by the government to verify the results, called fraudulent. The Constituent Assembly has, in practice, replaced the opposition-led National Assembly as the country's legislative branch.
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{{cite news}}
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{{cite news}}
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Univision recogió opiniones de expertos ...
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According to a person familiar with the matter, the BOE declined the withdrawal request after U.S. Secretary of State Michael Pompeo and National Security Adviser John Bolton lobbied their U.K. counterparts to help cut off the regime from its overseas assets.
- Bolton, John R. (2020). The room where it happened : a White House memoir (First Simon & Schuster hardcover ed.). New York. p. 257. ISBN 9781982148058. Retrieved 14 April 2021.
{{cite book}}
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Venezuela's foreign reserves have dropped below $10bn for the first time in 15 years as chronic mismanagement, corruption and subdued oil prices continue to batter what used to be the wealthiest country in South America. The reserves stood at $9.983bn, according to figures published on Friday from the central bank, representing a 77 per cent decrease since January 2009 when they hit a peak of $43bn.
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The International Monetary Fund suspended the Venezuelan leader's access to almost $400 million of special drawing rights, citing political chaos since National Assembly President Juan Guaido claimed in January that he was the nation's rightful leader, said two people familiar with the matter. Venezuela already whittled its SDR holdings down from almost $1 billion in March 2018. Almost two-thirds of Venezuela's $9 billion in foreign reserves are in the form of gold, which has been difficult to liquidate because of U.S. sanctions.
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- Wikimedia Venezuela (23 January 2019). "#23Ene Reportamos, nuevamente, un bloqueo parcial para acceder a #Misplaced Pages en #Venezuela desde @ContactoCantv y @SomosMovilnet_. Ayúdanos a reportar: ¿puedes acceder sin problemas? ¡Los leemos! @Wikimediapic.twitter.com/XeVOh8zWMM". @wikimedia_ve (in Spanish). Retrieved 23 January 2019.
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Bibliography
- Corrales, Javier (3 July 2020). "Authoritarian survival: why Maduro hasn't fallen" (PDF). Journal of Democracy. 31 (3): 39–53. doi:10.1353/jod.2020.0044. S2CID 226738491. ProQuest 2429461768. Archived (PDF) from the original on 30 September 2023.
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External links
- "Into the 'Venezuela's Fixed' Social Media Rabbit Hole". Caracas Chronicles. 16 November 2022. Retrieved 19 November 2022.
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