Opposition chief Juan Guaido’s claim nearly two weeks ago to be acting president plunged crisis-hit Venezuela into new turmoil, with a series of countries recognizing him as leader while others continue to back President Nicolas Maduro. On January 23, at a rally in Caracas of tens of thousands of people demanding that Maduro quit, Guaido — head of the opposition-controlled National Assembly — declares to cheering supporters that he assumes the role of acting president. Condemning Maduro’s “usurpation” of power, he pledges to form a transitional government and hold free elections.
