Venezuelan opposition leader Juan Guaido returned to Caracas on Tuesday February 11, after being welcomed as head of state in Bogota, London, Brussels, Davos, Paris, Toronto and Washington. "I bring with me the promise of the free world which is ready to help us regain democracy and freedom", tweeted the 36-year-old young MP upon arriving at Maiquetia International Airport, which serves Caracas. After having passed the migration service, Mr. Guaido was received in a tense atmosphere.
Fearing a power grab, dozens of opposition MPs and diplomats stationed in Caracas had come to greet him. But their applause was met with hoots from supporters of President-elect Nicolas Maduro, who also attacked the journalists present.
Mr. Guaido left the airport in the stampede, his arm raised to protect himself from the beatings. "Dirty traitor, assassin!" "shouted the Chavists. The employees of the public airline Conviasa, sanctioned four days earlier by the United States, were particularly virulent. Nicolas Maduro accuses Juan Guaido (who supports the economic sanctions adopted by Washington) of being responsible for the dramatic economic situation of the country.
On social networks, opponents praised the courage of Mr. Guaido, who took the risk of returning "By the big door". Faced with a court order to leave the country, Guaido smuggled across the border on January 19. He returned on a commercial flight with the Portuguese company TAP, coming from Lisbon, according to information given by his press service.
Strong support from Trump
This international tour was to allow Mr. Guaido, who had proclaimed himself interim president on January 23, 2019, to reaffirm his international support. Recognized by about fifty governments, he was received by the British Prime Minister, Boris Johnson, by the German Chancellor, Angela Merkel, by the French President, Emmanuel Macron, by the Canadian Prime Minister, Justin Trudeau, as well as by the leader of European diplomacy, Josep Borrell.
But it is obviously the strong support of Donald Trump that weighs the most. After attending the State of the Union address on February 4, the Venezuelan leader – described by the President to be "Only real president of Venezuela" – was received at the White House. Mr. Trump promised to "Break and destroy the tyranny of Mr. Maduro".
