Venezuela: Background and U.S. Relations Clare Ribando Seelke, Coordinator Specialist in Latin American Affairs Rebecca M. Nelson Specialist in International Trade and Finance Phillip Brown Specialist in Energy Policy Rhoda Margesson Specialist in International Humanitarian Policy Updated March 12, 2020 Congressional Research Service 7-.... www.crs.gov R44841 SUMMARY R44841 Venezuela: Background and U.S. Relations March 12, 2020 Venezuela remains in a deep crisis under the authoritarian rule of Nicolás Maduro of the United Socialist Party of Venezuela. Maduro, narrowly elected in 2013 after the death of Hugo Chávez Clare Ribando Seelke, (president, 1999-2013), began a second term on January 10, 2019, that is widely considered Coordinator illegitimate. Since January 2019, Juan Guaidó, president of Venezuela’s democratically elected, Specialist in Latin opposition-controlled National Assembly, has sought to form a transition government to serve American Affairs until internationally observed elections can be held. The United States and 57 other countries
[email protected] recognize Guaidó as interim president, but he has been unable to wrest Maduro from power and Rebecca M. Nelson has faced increased danger since returning home from a January-February 2020 tour, which Specialist in International included a meeting with President Trump. Some observers believe that National Assembly Trade and Finance elections due this year might start an electoral path out of the current stalemate.
[email protected] Venezuela’s economy has collapsed. The country is plagued by hyperinflation, severe shortages Phillip Brown of food and medicine, and a dire humanitarian crisis. In April 2019, United Nations officials Specialist in Energy Policy estimated that 90% of Venezuelans were living in poverty.