Venezuela opposition seeks to maintain momentum against President Nicolas Maduro’s government after failed military revolt

Venezuela’s opposition on Thursday sought to maintain pressure on President Nicolas Maduro through further protests, as the embattled socialist leader convened a weekend of dialogue to critique his mandate and fine-tune “the revolution”.

Following a failed attempt to stage a peaceful military revolt on Tuesday and overthrow Maduro, the opposition was facing a limited array of options. Opposition leader Juan Guaido on Wednesday called on Venezuelans to stage daily protests until Maduro leaves. The campaign, opposition officials said, included a call on public servants to show civil disobedience by wearing blue arm bands to work.

After two days of violent protests that have left two dead and dozens wounded, the opposition was banking on a resilient populace to continue the effort – though it remained unclear how exhausted, crisis-battered Venezuelans would respond. Guaido late Wednesday insisted that political change remained within Venezuela’s grasp.

“As long as we are mobilised and united we are very close to achieving our freedom,” Guaido said on Fox Business News. “Can’t tell you a specific date or time. Working on transition. Democracy has always taken time.”

The Trump administration has said that Maduro on Tuesday was prepared to abandon office and flee to Havana, before being stopped by the Russians – a claim Maduro has strongly denied. Also on Fox, President Donald Trump late Wednesday appeared less certain about Russian involvement, saying “You hear rumours . . . rumours about Russia and a lot about Cuba.”