The latest court ruling preserves Maduro’s executive authority for the purposes of entering into joint-venture business investments, deals that are supposed to require lawmakers’ approval. But the court said its new decision replaces the previous decision that appeared to completely neuter the National Assembly. Stripped of their powers, Venezuelan lawmakers denounce “coup”Maduro has essentially run Venezuela by decree since his United Socialist party lost control of parliament in 2015 amid chronic shortages of food and medicine. Luisa Ortega, the country’s top prosecutor, broke ranks in dramatic fashion Friday, saying the court’s decision “broke” the constitution. Saturday’s court ruling means Venezuelan lawmakers would have no power to stop the deal.

Source: Washington Post April 01, 2017 15:17 UTC