Triumphant Venezuela opposition looks to boost economy, free prisoners
- 9 years ago
Triumphant opposition leaders vowed on Monday to use their new majority in Venezuela's legislature to free jailed opponents of the Socialist government, but also promised not to go after political foes.
The Democratic Unity coalition won more than twice the number of National Assembly seats as the Socialists in Sunday's vote that punished President Nicolas Maduro's government for deep economic and social crisis in the oil-producing country.
It was the first time in 16 years that the "Chavismo" movement, named for former socialist President Hugo Chavez, lost its majority in the 167-member assembly, and gives the opposition a platform to further erode Maduro's power.
The 53-year-old president, who was handpicked by Chavez but lacks his charisma and political guile, quickly accepted defeat in a speech to the nation in the early hours of Monday that calmed fears of violence.
The Democratic Unity coalition won more than twice the number of National Assembly seats as the Socialists in Sunday's vote that punished President Nicolas Maduro's government for deep economic and social crisis in the oil-producing country.
It was the first time in 16 years that the "Chavismo" movement, named for former socialist President Hugo Chavez, lost its majority in the 167-member assembly, and gives the opposition a platform to further erode Maduro's power.
The 53-year-old president, who was handpicked by Chavez but lacks his charisma and political guile, quickly accepted defeat in a speech to the nation in the early hours of Monday that calmed fears of violence.