Venezuelan Theater Becomes Plan B in Lawmakers' Turf Battle
Venezuelan Theater Becomes Plan B in Lawmakers' Turf Battle
"The more Maduro can keep [the opposition] on the back of their feet, the more space he has to implement his own policy preferences," said AS/COA's Eric Farnsworth to Associated Press.
Venezuelan opposition lawmakers are expected in the coming days to make their third attempt to get inside the legislative chamber in downtown Caracas, after twice this month being blocked by forces loyal to President Nicolás Maduro.
The losing turf battle recently drove the lawmakers to a covered amphitheater in El Hatillo, a normally quiet community in the hilly outskirts of the capital that’s popular for its souvenir shops, restaurants and visitors strolling around the colonial square...
Eric Farnsworth, Washington D.C.-based vice president of the Americas Society and Council of the Americas think tank, said Maduro is clearly trying to rattle the opposition by forcing them to hunt for a meeting place and fear for their personal safety.
He called Maduro’s latest tactic an “outrage” in the eyes of the international community.
“It’s about complicating the lives of the opposition,” Farnsworth said. “The more Maduro can keep them on the back of their feet, the more space he has to implement his own policy preferences.”...
