Venezuelans ramp up challenge to Nicolas Maduro
The 24-hour stoppage saw parts of Caracas and other cities paralysed and ramps up an opposition-led challenge to President Nicolas Maduro
A nationwide strike across Venezuela on Thursday ramped up an opposition-led challenge to President Nicolas Maduro, following four months of deadly street protests and amid threats of US economic sanctions. The 24-hour stoppage saw parts of Caracas and other cities paralysed, with shuttered businesses and stalled public transport. But, as with the politics of this impoverished oil-rich nation, polarisation was evident among ordinary Venezuelans. "It doesn’t matter losing a day’s work if we’re losing the country," said one striker, a 34-year-old owner of a small Caracas construction firm who gave his first name only, Omar. "I’m joining the strike to rescue the little remaining for us, to increase pressure" on Maduro, he said. By backing the opposition in what is being called a "final offensive," he was risking government sanctions against companies that supported the strike and criminal punishment for what Maduro has called "conspirators". In contrast, Maria Francis, a 53-year-old wo...
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