On Wednesday, January 23, the Venezuelan political chaos turned as a number of world leaders recognised Juan Guaidó as the rightful interim president of Venezuela. Since 2013, Nicolás Maduro has held the position as head of state but has now been blamed for the sharp decline in the South American country’s economy. Who is Nicolás Maduro and why is Donald Trump not recognising him?
Why is Donald Trump not accepting Maduro?
US President Donald Trump announced on Wednesday he is recognising Venezuelan opposition leader Juan Guaido as the legitimate president of Venezuela.
In a statement, Mr Trump said: “In its role as the only legitimate branch of government duly elected by the Venezuelan people, the National Assembly invoked the country’s constitution to declare Nicolas Maduro illegitimate and the office of the presidency therefore vacant.
“The people of Venezuela have courageously spoken out against Maduro and his regime and demanded freedom and the rule of law.”
Mr Trump also urged other governments to recognise Mr Guaido, adding he “will continue to use the full weight of United States economic and diplomatic power to press for the restoration of Venezuelan democracy.”
vCard.red is a free platform for creating a mobile-friendly digital business cards. You can easily create a vCard and generate a QR code for it, allowing others to scan and save your contact details instantly.
The platform allows you to display contact information, social media links, services, and products all in one shareable link. Optional features include appointment scheduling, WhatsApp-based storefronts, media galleries, and custom design options.
Who is President Maduro?
Nicolás Maduro Moros, born on November 23, 1962 is a Venezuelan politician who has served as the de facto 46th President of Venezuela since 2013.
He previously served as Minister of Foreign Affairs from 2006 to 2013 and as Vice President of Venezuela from 2012 to 2013 under President Hugo Chávez.
The Venezuelan started off as a bus driver but was elected to the National Assembly in 2000.
In 2006 he went on to become Venezuela’s Foreign Minister, where he was described during this time as the “most capable administrator and politician of Chávez’s inner circle”.
Former President Hugo Chávez died in 2013 and Mr Maduro was elected as the candidate of the United Socialist Party of Venezuela.
He has been in office since April 19, 2013.
Since the special election voted Mr Maduro in as President, the country has been in sharp decline.
Venezuela’s socioeconomic status declined, while crime, inflation, poverty and hunger increased.
Analysts have attributed Venezuela’s decline to both Mr Chávez and Mr Maduro’s economic policies.
Mr Maduro has blamed speculation and an “economic war” waged by his political opponents.
On January 10, President Maduro was inaugurated by Maikel Moreno, Chief Justice of the Supreme Tribunal of Venezuela, despite encouragement to resign as president as his first term expired.
The result ended in widespread condemnation, and on January 23, the President of the National Assembly, Juan Guaidó, was declared the interim President by that body.