Guaido tells Maduro pressure ‘just beginning’
CARACAS: Venezuelan opposition leader Juan Guaido vowed to increase pressure on President Nicolas Maduro, who in turn promised to crush a ‘crazed minority’ that wants to remove him from power.
The 35-year-old National Assembly leader returned home to a hero’s welcome on Monday, having defied a ban on leaving the country to embark on a 10day tour of South American allies and remains free after returning despite the threat of arrest by the government.
“They’re drowning in contradictions, they don’t know how to respond to Venezuela’s people,” Guaido told reporters.
“They thought the pressure had reached its zenith, but it’s only just beginning.”
On Tuesday, a national holiday, he met public sector union leaders.
“Public sector workers have lost practically all their rights, we have no other option but to call for a civic strike,” said Guaido, without giving further details.
Maduro, meanwhile, pressed his supporters to hold ‘antiimperialist’ marches Saturday to counter fresh protests planned by Guaido.
“Today more than ever, we are victorious against the conspiracy, against blackmail, while a crazy minority continues with their hatred,” he said in his first public comments since Guaido’s return.
Battered by an economic meltdown, Venezuela descended into a major political crisis when Guaido declared himself interim president in January and asserted that Maduro was no longer legitimate.
Recognised by more than 50 countries as Venezuela’s acting president, Guaido flouted a government travel ban on Feb 22 to head off and rally support for his bid to oust Maduro.
When he returned to Caracas – his latest challenge to Maduro’s authority – Guaido announced to tens of thousands of supporters his plans for new protests.
He has vowed to set up a transitional government and hold new elections.
US envoy Elliott Abrams said that given Maduro’s low popularity, it would be ‘a gift’ if he decided to run in fresh polls.
“That’s ultimately a decision for Venezuelans to make,” Abrams said.
He also warned the US is weighing more sanctions to pressure Maduro.
As part of his challenge to Maduro, Guaido is attempting to take control of the state bureaucracy, which he considers to have been ‘kidnapped’ through blackmail and persecution.
Unions from the oil industry, basic services, the public bank and local government took part in Tuesday’s meeting, union leader Ana Yanez told AFP. — AFP