As the power struggle for the Venezuelan government continues, opposition lawmakers are banned from running for office where some have even been arrested or gone into exile. The government of Venezuela has been accused by the United Nations of using fear as a strategy to retain power of the country.
The country has been declining in all aspects over the past few years with the political power struggle only adding to the hyperinflation that affects the nation. Random power cuts, shortages of medicine and food having also occurred over the feud has left close to 5 million Venezuelans leaving the country in the past few years.
Not only is the struggle for presidency hurting the people of the country, the whole situation is such a mess it’s hard to get a clear idea of who the president actually is.
On the 23rd of January 2019, the opposition leader, Juan Guaidó declared himself acting president. The actions of Juan Guaidó was a direct challenge to the power of the current president who was just sworn in for his second six-year term. On top of that he was sworn in two weeks prior to his power being challenged. As one would do, President Maduro did not like this move from his opposition and condemned the strategy as a ploy from the United States to kick Maduro out.
Mr Guaidó attempted to get the military on his side to help his push for presidency but they have been loyal to the current president for a long time.
The presidency has been challenged as Maduro was elected in April 2013 after his predecessor past away in office. During Maduro’s first term the economy went into that downward spiral it is today which many people blame him for.