Venezuelan crisis causing global rifts
The political crisis in Venezuela has recently grown into a confused confrontation between the different world powers, over the legitimacy of the current Venezuelan head of state, Nicolás Maduro, in the light of the self-proclamation as interim leader, of Juan Guaidó, the country’s President of the National Assembly. The first to take sides with the opposition leader were the United States, the day before yesterday, who were followed by a large contingent of American countries: Canada, Brazil, Argentina, Colombia, Panama, Peru, Ecuador, Costa Rica, Guatemala, Paraguay and Chile. However, Mexico, Bolivia, Cuba and Nicaragua, supported Maduro, who also has support from China, Russia, Turkey and Iran. The European Union has opted for an intermediate position in which it recognizes the democratic legitimacy of the National Assembly presided over by Guaidó, but does not go so far as to recognize him as acting president. The country is stuck in political deadlock, with both men claiming a legitimate right to rule. Guaidó, a 35-year industrial engineer, who has become a political figure almost overnight, has promised free and fair elections, a transitional government whose mission is to revive the economy, and decreed an amnesty for any military personnel who help oust Maduro.