Guaidó Calls on Supporters to Take to Streets Over Power Cuts

• 03.28.2019, 09:54
•  Other,  World

bbc.com

Venezuela's opposition leader Juan Guaidó has called on his supporters to take to the streets in protest at nationwide power cuts, BBC reports. 

He also told followers to prepare for a final push to try to overthrow President Nicolás Maduro.

The power cuts started on Monday and have hit hospitals, public transport, water and other services, worsening a national economic crisis.

Mr Maduro blamed the blackouts on sabotage by the opposition and the US.

But the opposition argues that two decades of underinvestment and corruption by Venezuela's socialist government as the cause.

Mr Guaidó said that preparations were being made for a mass mobilisation - dubbed Operation Freedom - to try to force Mr Maduro to step down. The event is intended to culminate in a huge march through Caracas.

No date has been set but Mr Guaidó said a rehearsal of the operation would be held on 6 April. He promised to travel across Venezuela to help preparations.