The capital of Caracas was eerily quiet most of the morning, but protests have begun to intensify. It would also mark the third wave of protests against Maduro since he first rose to power in 2013. “We’re making a call for reconciliation, for peace.”Meanwhile, international pressure has been ramping up on Maduro to provide transparency over the election tally. Without recognition of his presidency, much-needed sanctions relief is unlikely, meaning Venezuela is staring down a a difficult road to economic recovery. In May, a survey found that should Maduro secure a third term, 41 per cent of the country’s estimated 28.8 million remaining citizens will consider leaving.

Source: The Hindu July 30, 2024 19:09 UTC