Venezuela’s highest court retreats from bid to tighten Maduro’s grip on power
Venezuelan power-enhancing rulings revoked
Caracas — Venezuela’s highest court has backtracked from efforts to tighten President Nicolas Maduro’s grip on power, after drawing international condemnation that raised pressure on the socialist leader as he clings to office. In a rare climb-down by the president’s allies, the pro-Maduro Supreme Court retreated from rulings that prompted opposition calls for mass protests in a country stricken by economic and political crises. The court said on its website it was revoking a March 29 decision to take over legislative powers from the National Assembly, a move opponents had branded as a "coup d’etat". It also revoked a ruling that stripped legislators of their immunity from prosecution. And it ended special powers it had conferred on Maduro over security legislation in the crisis. Head of the court, Maikel Moreno, dismissed allegations that its rulings had deprived the legislative branch "of its functions — nor have they dissolved or cancelled it". In a statement read before represen...
Would you like to comment on this article?
Sign up (it's quick and free) or sign in now.
Please read our Comment Policy before commenting.
Subscribe now to unlock this article.
Support BusinessLIVE’s award-winning journalism for R129 per month (digital access only).
There’s never been a more important time to support independent journalism in SA. Our subscription packages now offer an ad-free experience for readers.
Cancel anytime.
Questions? Email helpdesk@businesslive.co.za or call 0860 52 52 00. Got a subscription voucher? Redeem it now.