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Photos: A Venezuelan Opposition Leader Declares Himself ‘Interim President’ (29 photos)

Venezuela, which has been enduring a long-standing economic crisis, is now in the midst of a crisis of leadership. On Wednesday, the head of Venezuela’s National Assembly, Juan Guaidó, declared himself the country’s “interim president,” until elections can be held, during a mass rally against the government of President Nicolás Maduro. Guaidó’s position as the new leader of Venezuela was quickly recognized by the United States, Brazil, Canada, and several Latin American nations. However, Maduro says he is not leaving, and he has the support of the Venezuelan military. Maduro also retaliated by breaking off relations with the United States, his biggest trade partner, and by giving U.S. diplomats 72 hours to leave the country. Protests flared up in Venezuela and other countries, among a widespread Venezuelan diaspora, calling for Maduro to step down, with some demonstrations in Caracas ending in violence. What comes next remains uncertain, as President Donald Trump has said “all options are on the table” regarding Maduro, and anti-government protests continue in Venezuela’s streets.