Tag: The International Monetary Fund

(Gray News) – Government and opposition forces are struggling for political power in Venezuela, a country hamstrung by economic chaos and widespread shortages. Who’s president? The Venezuelan economy turned south during his first term and his re-election bid last year turned controversial. When Maduro won the ballot, the nation’s opposition-controlled National Assembly refused to recognize the election results, calling the election unfair and the presidency vacant. That’s why Guaido declared himself acting president in January. But Guaido’s claim to power has been recognized by the United States and 50 other governments who say Maduro's re-election last year was illegitimate. Up to this point, Venezuelan security forces have remained largely loyal to Maduro through pay raises and key political appointments. There are shortages in power, food and medicine. Recent U.S.-backed efforts to deliver humanitarian aid across the border from Colombia ended in violence, the Associated Press reported. He also announced $56 million in new assistance to countries in the region helping to absorb an exodus of more than 3 million Venezuelans who have fled in recent years.