CARACAS, Venezuela — Rival political factions took to the streets across Venezuela on Saturday in a mounting struggle for control of the crisis-wracked nation, where U.S.- backed opposition leader Juan Guaidó is attempting to oust socialist President Nicólas Maduro. The rallies also follow crippling power failures that left most of the country scrambling in the dark for days and without running water or phone service. Speaking before several thousand people who packed a broad Caracas avenue, Guaidó urged them to stay united and to keep up pressure until Maduro leaves power. “Venezuela is not afraid and continues taking the streets until we get freedom.”Guaidó tried to channel Venezuelans’ ire by calling crowds in the capital to march to the headquarters of the national power utility, Corpoelec. “We’re fighting for Venezuela to have liberty.”Many opposition supporters marched along a sunny main avenue carrying Venezuelan flags.

Source: Washington Post April 06, 2019 15:37 UTC