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Venezuelans Fed Up After Another Day in the Dark


Government supporters march during an anti-imperialist rally in Caracas, Venezuela, Saturday, March 30, 2019.
Government supporters march during an anti-imperialist rally in Caracas, Venezuela, Saturday, March 30, 2019.

Blackouts plagued Venezuela again Sunday, moving some Caracas residents to bang on pots, burn garbage in the streets and shout curses against President Nicolas Maduro.

The government announced it is keeping schools closed and cutting the length of the workday to conserve power.

"No one can put up with this," a Caracas housewife complained Sunday as she tried to buy a chicken but discovered the bank machines didn't work. "There's been no water since last Monday, you can't call by phone, we can't pay with cards or even eat."

Another homemaker said she can't refrigerate food and said when her appliances break, it's impossible to buy a replacement.

Maduro has blamed the blackouts on U.S. sabotage.

Opposition leader Juan Guaido again said government neglect and mismanagement are responsible.

"They brought the electrical system to a collapse because they are corrupt and now they can't resolve it because they are incapable," he said.

Guaido used his constitutional authority as head of the National Assembly to declare the Maduro presidency illegitimate, saying he was re-elected in December in a fraudulent vote.

The United States and about 50 other countries recognize Guaido as president. Washington has imposed numerous sanctions against the government, but Maduro is refusing to step down.

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