The political situation in Venezuela has become increasingly complex and chaotic, with the nation now being considered as having two presidents and three parliaments. This situation was triggered by the autoproclamation of Juan Guaidó as Venezuela's legitimate president in January 2019, and further escalated following the parliamentary coup by the regime of Nicolás Maduro on January 5, 2020.
In this coup, Maduro declared himself the President of the National Assembly without a proper majority, while the majority of opposition MPs re-elected Juan Guaidó as President of the same chamber. This led to a deadlock where each side claims legitimacy over the other, creating three separate legislative bodies: one elected democratically, another supported by the military and recognized by some foreign governments, and the last created by the ruling party.
This situation is not only a challenge for governance but also exacerbates the country's already dire socio-economic conditions. The ongoing power struggle between the two main factions has resulted in an institutional, political, social, and economic collapse, all while the executive branches, too, are preoccupied with battling for power rather than addressing the country's immense problems.
The international community's response has been mixed. While the US, EU, and other countries have condemned the coup and continue to support Juan Guaidó, there is no clear consensus on how to move forward. Sanctions from the US and EU have only solidified Maduro's hold on power through the rhetoric of victimization, rather than facilitating a transition towards democracy.
To address the crisis, a multi-lateral approach involving countries like Norway, the Organization of American States (OAS), the European Union (EU), and Vatican could be more effective. This could involve negotiations for a democratic transition, alongside efforts to engage with countries supporting Maduro, such as Cuba, China, and Russia. However, it is imperative that the international community continues to mobilize and maintain pressure, as without external assistance, there is little hope for Venezuela's government.
