Venezuela: Political Crisis and U.S. Policy
Abstract
Venezuela remains in a deep crisis under the authoritarian rule of Nicols Maduro of the United Socialist Party of Venezuela (PSUV). Maduro, narrowly elected in 2013 after the death of populist President Hugo Chavez (1999-2013), began a second term in January 2019 that is widely considered illegitimate. Despite U.S. and international pressure on him to leave office and a worsening economic and humanitarian crisis, Maduro remains firmly in power. His party now controls a de facto National Assembly seated on January 5, 2021.Since January 2019, the United States has recognized Juan Guaido, president of the democratically elected, opposition controlled National Assembly elected in December 2015, as interim president. Guaido, once recognized as Venezuelas leader by more than 55 countries, has been losing international and Venezuelan domestic support. Although the Biden Administration and many in Congress support Guaido, some are calling for a new strategy for Venezuela.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Mar 10, 2021
- Accession Number
- AD1148940
Entities
People
- Clare R. Seelke
Organizations
- Library of Congress