VENEZUELA MARKS 100 DAYS OF UNREST

Anti-government protests in Venezuela hit the symbolic mark of 100 days on Sunday. Here’s a look at how one of Latin America’s richest nations descended into chaos and prospects for resolution with President Nicolas Maduro refusing to relent

I call for peace, rectification from Leopoldo Lopez … because the nation wants peace — Nicolas Maduro, Venezuelan President I maintain my firm opposition to this regime. I reiterate my commitment to fight until conquering Venezuela’s freedom — Leopoldo Lopez, Opposition leader, Venezuela

HOW DID THE UNREST BEGIN

The Opposition gained control of the National Assembly in 2015

Venezuelans were frustrated with a weak economy, spiralling crime and food shortage

In late March, the Supreme Court stripped the legislature of its last powers

The decision was reversed amid a storm of international criticism. But it had already triggered street protests

President Nicolas Maduro called on May 1 for rewriting the Constitution. He insists rewriting the Constitution is the only way to restore peace

The Opposition views it as a ruse to install a Cuba-like dictatorship

Last year’s talks, sponsored by the Vatican and a group of former leaders of other nations, failed

THE ECONOMY

Oil accounts for 96% of export earnings. The plunge in world petroleum prices hit it hard. It owes money to foreign airlines, oil service firms

CHANCES FOR DIALOGUE

The Opposition says Maduro must honour commitments made during previous talks

They demand freedom for political prisoners and gubernatorial elections

If Maduro loses power, he may seek assurances that he won’t be prosecuted

MADURO’s OPTIONS

20% Venezuelans back Maduro, who has a tight grip on every branch of government The Opposition is more united than before

It wants to keep up protests and push for general elections

But the poor still revere late President Hugo Chavez

92

people have been killed in the Venezuelan protests

1,500

people have been injured in the Venezuelan protests

433

political prisoners in Venezuela, according to NGO Foro Penal

75%

of Venezuelans want President Maduro gone