Because of the power outage in Venezuela, which has been going on for days, the National Assembly has declared the state of alarm. This is the precursor to a state of emergency. The deputies voted in favor of the initiative presented by the self-appointed interim president Juan Guaidó.
However, Guaidó and Parliament have no actual power. The military has hitherto sided with leftist nationalist Nicolás Maduro, who has deposed the parliament. However, many countries see parliament as the only democratically legitimized institution of the South American crisis country.
Before the National Assembly Guaidó also called for mass demonstrations in protest against the nationwide power outage. The decree of the Parliament instructs, among other things, the armed forces to protect the power grid and not to suppress protests against the blackout. In addition, the authorities should provide fuel for generators for power generation. Deliveries of oil to the allied with Maduro Cuba should be stopped immediately. Nothing was said about following these instructions.
Since Thursday evening, there is no electricity in parts of the run-down country. The restoration of electricity supply is progressing slowly and is suffering recurrent setbacks. The government of head of state Maduro is responsible for a planned US hacker attack for the power outage. The opposition, on the other hand, speaks of lack of maintenance, corruption and mismanagement.
In the capital Caracas, the power supply gradually began to normalize. But the energy crisis continues. On Monday, a power system exploded in Caracas. On Sunday, there were looting of shops. Because public transport did not run, the government declared Monday to be day off work and school. Also on Tuesday, schools and businesses should be closed.
