Venezuela’s crisis has reached a new boiling point, with embattled socialist President Nicolás Maduro facing a direct challenge from Juan Guaidó, the head of the opposition-controlled National Assembly.

Guaido turned up the heat by declaring himself interim president on Wednesday before a mass of demonstrators in Caracas. He said it was the only way to end the Maduro “dictatorship” in Venezuela, which has seen millions flee in recent years to escape sky-high inflation and food shortages.

Much of the international community is rallying behind Guaido, with the U.S., Canada and numerous Latin American and European countries announcing that they recognised his claim to the presidency. Meanwhile, Russia, China, Iran, Syria, Cuba and Turkey have voiced their backing for Maduro’s government.

 
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