Venezuela's President Nicolas Maduro warned Wednesday of "great conflict" in the recession-mired country if his socialists do not overcome the setback of losing control of the legislature to the opposition.
Hardening the conciliatory tone he struck after his defeat in Sunday's legislative election, the 53-year-old vowed a radical turn in the "revolution" movement that brought to power his late predecessor Hugo Chavez.
"Either we get out of this jam by means of the revolution or Venezuela is going to enter a great conflict that will affect the whole Latin American and Caribbean region," Maduro told a crowd of hundreds of supporters rallying near his presidential palace in Caracas.
The center-right opposition was celebrating winning control of the legislature from Maduro and his allies for the first time in 16 years of "Chavism."
"The defeat left them politically and emotionally floored," said the leader of the victorious opposition coalition MUD, Jesus Torrealba.
"They are incapable of understanding what the country has told them."
Sunday's election result was seen as a punishment vote for Maduro's economic management.
A plunge in the price of the oil on which the government relies has stricken the country's economy, causing shortages of basic foods and goods.
Analysts warned of a tough struggle ahead in the sharply divided country as the opposition tries to press its advantage in congress to make economic reforms and free political prisoners.
"I am calling for a critical revolutionary debate," Maduro said. "I am willing to lead a radical revolution."
Venezuela’s President Nicolas Maduro warned Wednesday of “great conflict” in the recession-mired country if his socialists do not overcome the setback of losing control of the legislature to the opposition.
Hardening the conciliatory tone he struck after his defeat in Sunday’s legislative election, the 53-year-old vowed a radical turn in the “revolution” movement that brought to power his late predecessor Hugo Chavez.
“Either we get out of this jam by means of the revolution or Venezuela is going to enter a great conflict that will affect the whole Latin American and Caribbean region,” Maduro told a crowd of hundreds of supporters rallying near his presidential palace in Caracas.
The center-right opposition was celebrating winning control of the legislature from Maduro and his allies for the first time in 16 years of “Chavism.”
“The defeat left them politically and emotionally floored,” said the leader of the victorious opposition coalition MUD, Jesus Torrealba.
“They are incapable of understanding what the country has told them.”
Sunday’s election result was seen as a punishment vote for Maduro’s economic management.
A plunge in the price of the oil on which the government relies has stricken the country’s economy, causing shortages of basic foods and goods.
Analysts warned of a tough struggle ahead in the sharply divided country as the opposition tries to press its advantage in congress to make economic reforms and free political prisoners.
“I am calling for a critical revolutionary debate,” Maduro said. “I am willing to lead a radical revolution.”
