Venezuela’s six years of crisis

2013

Mar 2013: Venezuela’s Vice President Nicolas Maduro (right), takes office following death of socialist
firebrand president, Hugo Chavez

Apr: Maduro narrowly defeats opposition candidate Henrique Capriles in presidential elections marred by rigging allegations

2014

Feb 2014: Opposition leader Leopoldo Lopez sentenced to almost 14 years in prison following protests seeking to oust Maduro

2015

Dec 2015: Riding wave of popular discontent, opposition Democratic Unity coalition wins control of National Assembly with 112 of 167 seats

2016

Oct 2016: More than one million Venezuelans protest, demanding that President Maduro steps down

2017

Mar 2017: Attempt by Supreme Court to take over National Assembly fails amid international outcry. Event sparks months of anti-government protests that leave more than 100 dead

Jul: Referendum, boycotted by opposition, approves creation of Constituent Assembly. Lopez released
to house arrest

2018

May 2018: Maduro re-elected amid allegations of vote-buying by government

Nov: Number of migrants fleeing Venezuela reaches 3 million – one in 12 of population

2019

Jan 2019: Maduro inaugurated for second six-year term

Jan 23: Backed by his longtime mentor, Lopez, Juan Guaidó proclaims himself interim president

Jan 28: U.S. sanctions state oil company PDVSA, freezing payments for crude exports to U.S. refineries

Feb 3: European Union officially recognises Guaidó as interim president of Venezuela


Sources: Economist, Bloomberg 
Pictures: Associated Press, Getty Images 
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