últimas notícias

Venezuela’s economy is devastated

Battered by mismanagement, American sanctions and corruption, the Venezuelan economy has been in steep decline since 2014. Millions of people have emigrated, and the roughly 30 million who remain are plagued by hyperinflation and shortages of medicines, food, electricity and jobs.

[Read a guide to how Venezuela’s crisis began, and who is vying for power.]

Mr. Maduro, who has been in office since 2013, won re-election last year in a contest that was widely seen as fraudulent. In January, the National Assembly, controlled by the opposition and led by Mr. Guaidó, declared the election and the government illegitimate, leading Mr. Guaidó to claim to be the rightful, transitional leader.

More than 50 countries, including the United States and most of its close allies, recognized him as Venezuela’s legitimate leader.

Trump reiterates backing for Guaidó

The Trump administration expressed immediate support for Mr. Guaidó’s latest move, and said it was closely watching developments in Venezuela.

President Trump tweeted, “The United States stands with the People of Venezuela and their Freedom!” and Vice President Mike Pence tweeted, “We are with you! America will stand with you until freedom & democracy are restored. Vayan con dios!”

Mr. Trump also threatened sanctions and “a full and complete” embargo on Cuba, a major supporter of Mr. Maduro. Cuba, Mr. Trump said, must stop “military and other operations for the purpose of causing death and destruction to the Constitution of Venezuela.”

Outside the White House, John R. Bolton, Mr. Trump’s national security adviser, met with reporters and addressed Mr. Maduro’s accusation that he was fighting off a coup attempt, adding that it would big a “big mistake” for Mr. Maduro to use any force against protesters.