Opposition leader Juan Guaido shrouded the route and timing of his return in secrecy amid concerns he might be detained by Venezuela's government. Yet he breezed through airport immigration checks and brazenly called for the downfall of President Nicolas Maduro at a rally where the presence of security forces was minimal.
Guaido's homecoming Monday was the latest chapter in his struggle with Maduro, who has been warned by the United States and other countries not to move against his adversary and possibly realized arresting his foe could generate more street protests. And, while Guaido's presence is likely to add at least short-term momentum to his campaign for political change, Maduro has proven resilient and still commands the critical loyalty of top military officers.
For now, Guaido, leader of the opposition-controlled National Assembly, seems intent on probing Maduro's socialist government for vulnerabilities, saying he would meet Tuesday with public employee unions in an attempt to secure their co-operation. He also called for big protests on Saturday, a tactic that has sometimes been countered by Maduro loyalists with flag-waving rallies of their own.
"We hope there won't be any escalation and that parliamentary immunity is respected," said Spanish Ambassador Jesus Silva Fernandez.
Philippines Latest News, Philippines Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
Venezuela’s opposition leader Juan Guaido urges supporters to protest on MondayApproximately 50 countries recognize Guaido as Venezuela’s president, arguing that current President Nicolas Maduro’s re-election last year was a sham
Read more »
Opposition leader Guaido vows return to Venezuela despite threat of prisonSelf-declared interim president is currently in Brazil meeting with Jair Bolsonaro in a bid to drum up international pressure on Nicolas Maduro to step down
Read more »
Opposition leader Guaido arrives in Venezuela as supporters gather to protestDeclaring he knows he is at risk, Venezuelan opposition leader Juan Guaido returned Monday to his homeland to renew his campaign to topple the government of President Nicolas Maduro.
Read more »
Juan Guaido returns to Venezuela, calls for more street protestsGuaido would meet Tuesday with public employee unions controlled by the government of Maduro
Read more »
Guaido says he is on his way home to VenezuelaVenezuelan opposition leader Juan Guaido said Monday that he is on his way home.
Read more »
Guaido vows to return soon to Venezuela to lead protestsVenezuelan opposition leader Juan Guaido says he'll soon return home and mobilize new protests against embattled socialist leader Nicolas Maduro.
Read more »
Guaido to return to Venezuela’s after Ecuador visit, calls for new protestsGuaido has spent past few days touring Latin American countries to muster support for his campaign to form a transition government and oust Nicolas Maduro
Read more »