The political crisis in Venezuela is again being acted out on the capital’s streets with opposition supporters blocking main highways into Caracas. <br /><br /> Monday’s announcement by President Nicolas Maduro to set up a new assembly, circumventing the opposition- controlled parliament has outraged his critics.<br /><br /> With the new body having the power to re-write the constitution, neighbours Brazil, Bolivia and Chile as well as MPs have denounced the move, with some calling it a coup.<br /><br /> This has a name in law: a new coup d’état promoted from the presidency of #Venezuela #2MayOAS_official pic.twitter.com/zYVwPUZ2qE— Luis Almagro (Almagro_OEA2015) May 3, 2017<br /><br /> Brazil calls Venezuelan president’s move a ‘coup’ I https://t.co/YbDlSYiO4L pic.twitter.com/dQbj9DgUVs— Reuters Venezuela (@ReutersVzla) May 3, 2017<br /><br /> Leading presidential opponent Henrique Capriles has accused Maduro of trying to prevent “free and democratic” elections.<br /><br /> “Why don’t we have a referendum and ask one little simple question: Are you in favour of Mr. Nicolas Maduro’s government remaining or do you want to hold elections for the Venezuelan people to have a new government? Those who violate the constitution today are those who say they are the fathers of the constitution. What they are trying to do is kill the constitution.”<br /><br /> Maduro’s shock announcement follows attempts by the divisive Venezuelan leader to woo his core supporters with promises of salary rises.<br /><br /> But critics say he is increasingly dictatorial and plans to staff the new assembly with allies, avoiding elections he would likely lose.<br /><br /> Oil-rich Venezuela is in the middle of a crippling recession and raging inflation which many have blamed on the government. Almost daily protests during the last month have become more violent leaving at least 29 people dead.<br /><br /> Unrest on the streets of Venezuela. Slideshow: https://t.co/ikLJTHIChG by #fevillavicencio via c0nvey pic.twitter.com/KaLdU7yryz— gerardo v (estebang1952) May 3, 2017<br />
