Venezuela's assembly assumes power to legislate

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Venezuela's new legislative super body on Friday gave itself the power to pass laws, superseding the opposition-led Congress.

Delcy Rodriguez, president of the Constituent Assembly, insisted the move did not imply a dissolution of the congress.

"Those lazy bums have to work. What we are doing is telling them: 'Gentlemen, we are not going to let you take a holiday'," Rodriguez said in a reference to opposition legislators.

Delcy Rodriguez, president of the National Constituent Assembly, speaks during a meeting of the Truth Commission in Caracas, Aug. 16, 2017. /Reuters Photo

The assembly had invited leaders of the existing Congress to join the session. Congressional leaders did not attend, insisting it was fraudulently created and usurped their powers.

"(Congress) only obeys the Constitution and the people. We do not recognize the constituent assembly, much less subordinate ourselves to it," Freddy Guevara, an opposition politician and vice president of the Congress, wrote on Twitter.

Controversial new constituent assembly

Maduro pushed for the creation of the constituent assembly on promises it would bring peace to the country after months of violent street protests that have killed more than 125 people.

Critics say the assembly was created to extend the rule of Maduro's administration, who faces anger across the country over chronic food shortages, triple-digit inflation and a severe recession.

Venezuela's President Nicolas Maduro during a rally against US President Donald Trump in Caracas, Aug. 14, 2017. /Reuters Photo

Protests have slowed since the July 30 election, partly because opposition leaders are in talks to present candidates for the gubernatorial elections expected in October. Many opposition supporters are also tired and demoralized.

International communities' reactions

South American trade bloc Mercosur condemned the assembly for usurping Congress's responsibilities, according to a statement released by Brazil's Foreign Ministry.

Mercosur founding members Brazil, Argentina, Uruguay and Paraguay will not recognize any measures taken by the assembly, the statement said.

Governments around the world have slammed the creation of the constituent assembly, with many accusing Maduro of seeking to ignore the will of Venezuelans who want a change of government.

The US has slapped sanctions on top Socialist Party officials, accusing them, among other things, of weakening democracy and violating human rights. Washington has said it will consider sanctions against anyone who participates in the constituent assembly.

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Source(s): Reuters