NEW: Scuffles, Tear Gas and Doused Lights: Venezuela’s National Assembly Opens for Businesshttps://nyti.ms/35AamMO
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It was an exceptionally turbulent morning, even for a nation that is becoming increasingly accustomed to high-stakes political drama.
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And it did little to resolve Venezuela’s political tumult: The country, which is facing a worsening humanitarian crisis, has two men claiming the presidency and two men claiming the leadership of the assembly.
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On Tuesday, the legislature’s first meeting of the year deteriorated into a melee in which, according to Mr. Guaidó’s press office, four opposition legislators were injured.
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The National Guard also launched tear gas at Mr. Guaidó and other opposition members as they made their way to the building.
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With the lights of the chamber out, Mr. Guaidó stood at front of the assembly hall, taking the oath as head of legislature, and opening the year’s legislative session.
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But he fled through basement, along with some legislators and reporters, when members of colectivos — the armed civilians band that back the government and are known for violence — were allowed into the building.
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It was the second time Tuesday that a self-proclaimed assembly president opened a legislative session only to flee the building.
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In the early morning, Mr. Guaidó’s rival, Luis Parra, launched assembly proceedings, but left before the opposition lawmakers pushed their way in.
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