An opposition coalition has won an overwhelming majority in a legislative election in Venezuela. Congress in Caracas is changing hands for the first
ADVERTISEMENTAn opposition coalition has won an overwhelming majority in a legislative election in Venezuela.
Congress in Caracas is changing hands for the first time in 16 years.
Here is the Euronews lowdown on what is happening in the oil-rich South American state.
Who is running Venezuela now?
Venezuela’s President Nicolas Maduro Accepts National Assembly Loss, Opposition Coalition… https://t.co/DyTvdt1WNapic.twitter.com/sUlPqMsOTF
— Jaime Castro (@Counter_info) December 7, 2015Venezuela has a presidential political system. Elected on a six-year mandate in 2013, President Nicolas Maduro is head of the executive.
This is the National Assembly building here in Caracas, earlier today. Who will control it? #VenezuelaVoto2015pic.twitter.com/uuZfaV1xcF
— Mark Valladares (@honladymark) December 6, 2015With 167 seats, the National Assembly is the legislative branch.
His party, the socialist PSUV, had a majority until Sunday’s vote. Observers say now that has been lost to the opposition coalition MUD (the Union for Democracy), he could have a much rougher ride with the National Assembly.
A power struggle is the likely outcome, with much of Maduro’s legislation being held up.
Will Maduro remain in power?
So far, there is no reason for him to go.
However, analysts say that could change.
If the opposition grouping gets two-thirds of the seats in the National Assembly, it is enough for a super majority. It will then have the power to table a vote of no-confidence in Maduro and/or his ministers.
.jimwyss</a> says the threat of a recall referendum has been building in Venezuela for a long time <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/FloridaRoundup?src=hash">#FloridaRoundup</a></p>— WLRN Public Media (WLRN) December 4, 2015
Additionally, from April 2016, Maduro will be halfway through his term and a “recall referendum” can be held. Some opposition members are already talking of this.
Are Venezuela’s politics likely to change?
It is possible. Both Nicolas Maduro and his predecessor and mentor Hugo Chavez followed strictly socialist government policies. Large amounts of money from Venezuela’s generous oil reserves, the largest confirmed reserves in the world, were ploughed into social programmes.
ADVERTISEMENTHowever, the fall in the global oil price has put this in jeopardy.
The dramatic decline of #Venezuela’s economy under Maduro. Via Boomberg Business's nmcrooks</a>
<a href="https://t.co/WhpHQxDPZw">https://t.co/WhpHQxDPZw</a> <a href="https://t.co/VTw6MCezev">pic.twitter.com/VTw6MCezev</a></p>— Europa World (EuropaWorld) December 7, 2015
There have been reports of severe shortages in Venezuela, with empty shelves in supermarkets.
'Chavismo' movement loses majority for first time in 16 years in Venezuela: https://t.co/5mWizwYJ8apic.twitter.com/gpKNNlXYTn
— Reuters Top News (@Reuters) December 7, 2015News of the MUD coalition’s win has been met with joy by those ready for a change.
ADVERTISEMENTWhat has been the international reaction?
The European Union’s head of foreign affairs, Federica Mogherini, has described Sunday’s result as a “vote for change”.
MEP Ramón Jáuregui Atondo sobre los resultados electorales de Venezuela desde el Parlamento Europeo https://t.co/3KT9Q6p6ye
— Panoramica (@panoramicaleu) December 7, 2015Some MEPs have welcomed the change of direction, saying they have already forged links with the MUD coalition in Venezuela.
The challenges ahead
ADVERTISEMENT#Venezuela 's shredded economy:
GDP growth
2013 1.3%
2014 -2.4%
2015f -7.3%
2016f -6.3%
Consumer inflation >100%
2015 budget deficit 17%/GDP
— Robert Ward (@RobertAlanWard) December 7, 2015Venezuela’s economy is performing very poorly. There are reports of product shortages and the world’s highest rate of inflation at 100%.
This, coupled with the falling oil price, has combined to create a “perfect storm” of poor circumstances that will not be resolved overnight.