In Venezuela, teachers, doctors, nurses and students all want one thing: freedom from Nicolás Maduro’s authoritarianism.
On November 16, thousands of Venezuelans turned out on the streets of Caracas to protest the illegitimate Maduro regime and to fight for their country’s democracy.
“I am protesting because … our salaries are not enough to buy food, there is a situation of insecurity, there is no transport, and although there is food on the shelves the money is not enough for us to buy what we need to have a decent life,” a protester told U.S. Embassy officials.
An inspiring sight as Venezuelans speak out against Maduro’s repression. The people of #Venezuela are standing up for #Democracy, #HumanRights, and a better future for their country. We stand with them, as should all democratic countries, until they restore democracy. pic.twitter.com/WaNiPi58Va
— Secretary Pompeo (@SecPompeo) November 17, 2019
Juan Guaidó, the country’s interim president, called for protests over the forthcoming week to support the Venezuelan people. Guaidó called for citizens to swarm the main roads in the country on Monday; on Tuesday, protests will support nurses; on Wednesday, the country will mobilize to rally for teachers’ rights; and on Thursday, Day of the Venezuelan University Student, the country’s students will mobilize for change.
“Today we have victory in the streets,” said Guaidó via Twitter on Saturday. “We are a united majority exercising its rights!”
