Venezuelan opposition lawmakers reject the authority of President Maduro's new Constituent Assembly
Venezuela’s opposition-controlled legislature has refused to recognize decrees issued by a new, all-powerful constitutional assembly convened by President Nicolas Maduro.
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In a vote opposition members also rejected the superbody’s decision to create a “truth commission” that will be able to prosecute and punish.
Jose Manuel Olivares, opposition deputy remained defiant:
“Today, the clearest message is that this National Assembly is legislating and is going to legislate for the problems of the people. That joke of a Constituent Assembly, only serves Maduro’s political aims; by distributing shares and roles among themselves, and by keeping the country on a path of hate and confrontation.”
Supporters of President Maduro held a march in Caracas backing the new assembly.
Maduro says the new commission should hold opposition leaders accountable for the current wave of political unrest.
“The opposition right keeps attacking the Constituent Assembly and we keep working, we continue to move forward. It’s important that our country knows that we are strictly following proper legislation and the 1999 constitution,” proclaimed Diosdado Cabello, newly elected Constituent Assembly member.
About 2000 pro-government people jammed the streets in front of Venezuela’s congressional complex where both assemblies are still working.
However the new constitutional assembly is ruling with virtually unlimited authority and is expected to meet again today.