Venezuela's President Wants A New Constitution. Opposition Responds With Massive Protests

L.A. Times: As president calls for new constitution, Venezuela veers once again toward political chaos

Venezuela, already reeling from massive anti-government marches in recent weeks, is bracing for more demonstrations Wednesday as increasingly vocal activists protest the surprise plan by President Nicolas Maduro to draft a new constitution, which opposition leaders condemned as an anti-democratic move that will only aggravate the country’s ongoing political crisis.

In an announcement at a May Day rally Monday, Maduro said he would seek to replace the constitution pushed through in 2000 by his late predecessor, Hugo Chavez. The new document would be drafted at an assembly consisting of 500 delegates, 250 of whom will be selected from “communal” groups recognized by Maduro’s government, which will likely assure his control over the final version, opponents said.

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More News On The Growing Unrest In Venezuela

Nicolás Maduro Calls for New Venezuelan Constitution -- WSJ
Amid protests, Venezuelan president calls for new constitution -- UPI
Venezuelan opposition blocks streets to protest Maduro power shakeup -- Reuters
Venezuelans block Caracas in protest over President Maduro’s bid to change constitution -- Euronews
Venezuelans Protest President's Decision to Rewrite Constitution -- VOA
Venezuela crisis: Opposition condemns Maduro move -- BBC
After month of protests, Venezuela's Maduro triggers shakeup of powers -- Reuters
Venezuela plan to rewrite constitution branded a coup by former regional allies -- The Guardian
Brazil Calls Venezuelan President's Move a 'Coup' -- Reuters
Brazil FM calls Maduro's constitution move a 'coup' -- Al Jazeera
U.S. May Consider New Venezuela Sanctions as Crisis Deepens -- Bloomberg
Venezuela Government Scrambles to Justify Ditching Constitution as International Condemnation Grows (VIDEO) -- Latin American Herald Tribune