26 January 2019•Update: 27 January 2019
By Alyssa McMurtry
OVIEDO, SPAIN
Spain on Saturday said it will recognize Venezuelan opposition leader Juan as the president of the country if the South American country does not hold “fair” elections within eight days.
“Spain’s position is clear and shared by the vast majority of the EU members: we don’t want to set up or take down any governments in Venezuela, we want democracy and fair elections,” Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez said in a televised speech.
Venezuela has been rocked by protests since Jan. 10 when President Nicolas Maduro was sworn in for a second term following a vote boycott by the opposition.
On Wednesday, Juan , the leader of Venezuela’s opposition-led National Assembly, declared himself acting president.
U.S. President Donald Trump recognized as president of the country.
Maduro quickly shot back, cutting off diplomatic relations with Washington and giving U.S. diplomats 72 hours to leave the country.
He has repeatedly lashed out at the U.S., saying Washington is waging an economic war against him and his government amid a sweeping sanctions campaign.
Brazil and the Organization of American States recognized as Venezuela's leader prior to his formal announcement. Argentina, Canada, Chile, Colombia, Costa Rica, Ecuador, Guatemala, Panama Paraguay have followed suit while Bolivia and Mexico continue to recognize Maduro.
Several South American countries, Russia and Turkey have also expressed solidarity with Maduro.
