Venezuela faces growing anti-government protests as Maduro support slips
Pro and anti-government demonstrations will take place in Venezuela today.
The protests come on the heels of self-appointed interim President Juan Guaido’s tour around Latin America to shore up regional diplomatic support. Flouting a travel ban issued by a Venezuela court, Guaido made the rounds to Colombia, Argentina, Brazil and Paraguay then, risking arrest for violating the court order, returned on Monday to lead more opposition demonstrations.
Though dozens of opposition leaders have been jailed by the government, Guaido has remained untouched by the Maduro regime. Indeed, the US has threatened Maduro with a “strong and significant” response should Guaido be jailed, limiting the president’s ability to act. Likewise, opposition activists have promised unprecedented demonstrations and turmoil if their leader is touched.
Though Guaido’s return on Monday was triumphant, he has reaffirmed that bringing an end to Maduro’s government will be a “long and difficult process,” dampening hopes of a swift change of power. In the medium-term, expect Guaido to continue building momentum by urging more frequent protests across the country, which could increase in size as the economic situation in Venezuela deteriorates.
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