Venezuela at a Crossroads: Opposition Mobilizes Nationwide Protests

The political landscape of Venezuela is in motion. On Thursday, opposition parties and their supporters are mobilizing in a desperate attempt to put pressure on President Nicolas Maduro, who is about to begin his third six-year term. The political camps are facing each other irreconcilably: both the opposition and the ruling party claim victory in last year's presidential election. Despite the official confirmation by the electoral authority and the Supreme Court, which awarded Maduro the victory, no detailed election results have been published. The opposition claims that its candidate, Edmundo Gonzalez, actually won and has garnered international support from governments like that of the United States. Maria Corina Machado, the country's most popular opposition leader, plans to join the protests. Her appearance would be the first since she went underground in August. Machado calls for peaceful demonstrations and urges the military and police to recognize Gonzalez's victory. Extensive security measures have been implemented in the capital, Caracas, to keep the situation under control. A march by Maduro’s supporters is expected to take place simultaneously as a counter-event. While Gonzalez returns from international meetings, it remains unclear when and how he will return to Venezuela. The government pressure on the opposition remains high, yet the signs point to confrontation.