Venezuela’s chief judicial body was due to swear in 112 new opposition legislatorson 5 January, following the legislative elections held throughout the country in December.
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A tense struggle for control of Venezuela’s legislature threatens to come to a head at a swearing-in ceremony Tuesday as opposition lawmakers defy government efforts to weaken their majority. However while some die-hard government supporters did try to block the way, all the opposition deputies made it inside.
“Here and now, things will change”, he said. When the opposition gathered signatures in 2003 for a referendum on Mr. Chavez, Mr. Ramos Allup claimed the leader would be “swept out by a landslide”.
He did not say how the change would be brought about but stressed it would be “constitutional”.
“Change is not dependent on any time-frame”, said Ramos Allup on Tuesday, adding, “We are looking at a change in outlook, a change in the system, at changing what is bad, very bad – and soon will get worse”. “We are not going to be anti-establishment, but rather an autonomous legislative power”, he said. “There’s mounting evidence that the Maduro regime in Venezuela has no intention of accepting the results of last month’s legislative elections”, Rubio said in a statement.
Observers have speculated that the opposition could have used those powers to seek to force Maduro from power before the end of his term in 2019. The new session will be the first time foes of the administration have had control of any government institution in more than a decade.
But top on their agenda is freeing jailed opposition activists they and many human rights groups consider political prisoners.
The ruling Socialist deputies immediately walked out. The violation was caused because the Assembly was inaugurated today (Tuesday) and he (Ramos Allup) must allow anyone to speak.
“If there is any disagreement, the president can veto a law or refer to the Supreme Court”.
In the 6 December election, the opposition MUD coalition won 112 seats and the governing Socialist coalition 55.
However, last week the Supreme Court prevented four of the opposition lawmakers from taking their seats, in response to outcry from socialist supporters accusing the opposition of “stealing” the election, as the Latin Correspondent reported. One pro-Maduro deputy targeted by the same fraud allegations is also suspended. Maduro dismissed accusations his government is attempting to subvert democracy in Venezuela.
The opposition faces a critical hurdle in communicating with voters after Maduro’s predecessor, the late President Hugo Chavez, closed down scores of opposition radio and TV stations.
Venezuela has the world’s biggest known oil reserves but has suffered from a fall in the price of the crude on which its government relies.
The potential political crisis would only serve to intensify the severe social and economic situation in the country, with skyrocketing inflation, extensive shortages, as well as surging crime.
Furthermore, he said that the new assembly will deepen its investigation into corruption. Maduro on Monday issued decrees limiting congress’ power over the central bank.
The triumphant lawmakers from the opposition are promising to use their power to make sweeping changes.
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Maduro was conciliatory in a national television address Monday, saying he had instructed the military to guarantee the opposition access to the National Assembly so it can be seated peacefully. Spokesman John Kirby pointed out that they legislators had not yet been barred from taking office, but expressed concern.
