DW: Venezuelan opposition leader Juan Guaido declares himself acting president
Opposition leader Juan Guaido has declared himself acting president after urging supporters to take to the streets in an effort to oust President Nicolas Maduro. The US swiftly signaled its support for the move.
Venezuela's opposition leader and president of the National Assembly, Juan Guaido, on Wednesday declared himself acting president of the crisis-ridden South American country.
Speaking to supporters gathered in front of the National Assembly, Guaido said, "I swear to formally assume the national executive powers as acting president of Venezuela to end the usurpation, [install] a transitional government and hold free elections."
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WNU Editor: My one contact in Caracus is telling me that everyone is talking about a revolution. He may be right. The images that I am now seeing from Caracus is one where there are literally hundreds of thousands on the streets. But the Army appears to still back the Maduro government, and they are the only ones who can really impose change in the country right now. Still .... this is has now become the greatest threat to the legitimacy of the Maduro government, and if the government does not stop this in the next few days, they are at risk in being overthrown.
Update: The U.S., Canada, and Colombia have just recognized Juan Guaido as the interim President of Venezuela. I expect Brazil, Peru, Argentina, and other countries to quickly follow.
More News On Venezuela Opposition Leader Juan Guaido Declaring Himself The Country's Interim President
Venezuela opposition leader swears himself in as interim president -- Reuters
Buoyed by protesters and U.S., Maduro rival claims Venezuela presidency -- Reuters
Juan Guaidó, Venezuela's opposition leader, was just sworn in as the nation's interim president amid huge protests against Nicolas Maduro -- Business Insider
Opposition Leader Declares Himself Venezuela’s President in Challenge to Maduro -- The New York Times
Venezuelan opposition leader declares himself president; U.S. promptly recognizes him as interim president -- Washington Post
Venezuela opposition leader declares himself interim president -- Al Jazeera