Since stunning the world on January 23 when issuing a direct challenge to Nicolas Maudro's authority by declaring himself acting president, Guaido has shown ability and ambition in the power struggle with the socialist leader. Guaido, head of Venezuela's opposition-controlled legislature, did not set out to supplant Maduro, who has presided over a spiralling political and economic crisis in Venezuela. US President Donald Trump immediately recognised him as Venezuela's interim president, followed by a string of countries across the region. Maduro, the hand-picked successor to late leftist firebrand Hugo Chavez, calls Guaido "a kid playing at politics." Guaido, who took part in those protests, was elected deputy for his native Vargas in 2015.

Source: Daily Nation March 05, 2019 06:45 UTC