Photo by: Darwinek via Wikimedia Commons

Venezuela is making headlines after a new assembly was established by its president: Nicolas Maduro. This assembly was created despite its international condemnation and has persevered through the threat of protest from the opposition.

The country is a reputable Catholic country; in fact, the official website of Venezuela claims that 70 percent of the population is Roman Catholic. While the Vatican does not speak exclusively for its supporters, its disapproval of the assembly speaks volumes. The Vatican has reportedly said that the assembly “creates a climate of tension and conflict.”

Apart from the Vatican, the United States has also voiced concern over the new assembly. The Trump administration has labeled Nicolas Maduro a dictator and has made a move to increase sanctions on the country.This will reduce the amount of business done between the United States and Venezuela. Beyond this, the European (EU) and other Latin American countries condemn the body and refuse to support it.

The establishment of the assembly, itself, is a surprise; however, even more surprising is the support it has received from a Catholic priest who appeared at the inauguration on Friday despite the Vatican’s statements.

The assembly will have the power to rewrite the constitution. Its president, Ms. Delcy Rodriguez, has also commented on the dilemma; saying, “The international community should not make a mistake over Venezuela. The message is clear, very clear: we Venezuelans will resolve our conflict, our crisis without any form of foreign interference.” Apart from Rodriguez, the assembly is made of 545 members who are all supporters of the government.

Although many believe that this body will increase tensions in the country, the president has claimed that it has been established in order to promote peace after the hard months that have gone by.

The opposition, however, has responded that this new assembly was established so that President Maduro could maintain his power due to it being an exclusively pro-government body.

Protests have broken out and in Caracas, the capital city of Venezuela, where police officers have reportedly used tear gas against citizens. Government supporters are taking to the streets with flags and cheers in celebration.

The Assembly

With the rise of protests and controversy, people from around the world are wondering what exactly this body is and why there is controversy surrounding it.

Essentially, the body has the ability to completely change how Venezuela is run. Currently, the country is fighting its way out of an economic crisis and depending on the decisions which this assembly takes, it can get better or it can get much worse.

Beyond this, the body will be able to completely end the National Assembly, which is being led by the opposition. The opposition is so keen on its disapproval that accusations of fraud began to emerge in response.

Over seven million citizens appeared to protest in what has since been called an unofficial referendum. So far, groups of protesters and demonstrations have been silenced or dispersed.