This archive report was first published on 16 November 2019.
On November 16, 2019, thousands of supporters of Venezuelan opposition leader Juan Guaido gathered in Caracas to demand the resignation of President Nicolas Maduro.
Guaido, who is recognized as Venezuela's acting president by around 50 countries, addressed his backers at Jose Marti square, urging Maduro to call new elections.
"Today is a great victory for Venezuela," Guaido tweeted, sharing images of protesters in various Venezuelan states.
Despite the rally's size, Guaido's camp has struggled to capitalize on early momentum since he declared himself acting president in January 2019.
Guaido's supporters believe the 2018 elections, which returned Maduro to office, were marred by fraud.
Protests in Caracas and other cities unfolded peacefully, with chants of "Evo is gone, Maduro is going -- Venezuela shouts, we want freedom!"
However, the Venezuelan economy has suffered significantly since 2013, with inflation soaring and the country facing crippling US sanctions.
Political analyst Jesus Castillo-Molleda warned that if Guaido fails to achieve significant progress, his leadership may be at risk.
