Venezuelan pro-government assembly takes congress’ powers
Venezuela’s pro-government constitutional assembly is taking over the powers of the opposition-led congress.
Delegates to the all-powerful assembly unanimously approved a decree giving it the authority to pass legislation on a range of issues affecting Venezuela’s security and sovereignty.
Government supporters perform a parody involving a Venezuelan militia up against Uncle Sam (Ariana Cubillos/AP)
The dramatic move follows a refusal by the congressional leadership to swear an oath of loyalty to the assembly, whose election the opposition considers illegitimate.
The government has argued that opposition MPs behind months of anti-government protests are working with the US to violently oust President Nicolas Maduro.
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