How long can Nicolas Maduro cling to power?

Venezuela’s government has responded with anger to a threat by the United States to impose economic sanctions on senior officials. It has called the threat “brutal” and “imperial”.

The measures are aimed at forcing President Nicolas Maduro to abandon a controversial plan to rewrite the constitution. Maduro wants to hold a vote on July 30th for a new assembly.

More than seven million people voted against the proposed changes in an unofficial referendum on Sunday. There are fears it could enshrine one-party rule. 

Over the past three months, there have been almost daily demonstrations in Venezuela, with anti-and pro-government protesters taking to the streets, which has plunged the country into an economic and political uncertainty.

So can the government solve the biggest crisis in decades – or will it be up to the opposition?

Presenter: Hazem Sika

Guests:

Phil Gunson – Senior Analyst with the International Crisis Group

Antonio Mora – Political Analyst and Lawyer

Diego Arria – Former Venezuelan Ambassador to the United Nations