Venezuelans and activists protested outside Downing Street in London, on Monday, after the UK government and its EU allies gave President Nicolas Maduro an eight-day deadline to call elections. They have pledged their support for Venezuelan National Assembly head Juan Guaido as the country’s interim president if their demands are not met. The protesters exhibited numerous Venezuelan flags and placards in support of Maduro and his Bolivarian revolution, while chanting against Guaido and the countries which supported them. “The USA, Trump specifically, is meddling in Venezuela’s affairs. The people last year voted in elections; they chose Maduro, and that should be respected,” said Katerina, a protester. She also added that Western media present “a pack of lies” on the matter. Guaido proclaimed himself interim president on January 23, after declaring Maduro’s January 10 inauguration illegitimate. Within 24 hours, the US and a majority of Latin America recognised him as president and the US announced $20 million (17.5 million) in humanitarian aid.
