VENEZUELA: Supreme Court assumes Congress role

Venezuela’s Supreme Court has ruled that it will take over the opposition-led Congress’ legislative powers, in a move condemned by opposition parties as an attempt to install a dictatorship. The court, which has consistently sided with President Nicolas Maduro’s administration, said that as long as the Congress remains in “contempt” of past court rulings “congressional […]

Venezuela’s Supreme Court has ruled that it will take over the opposition-led Congress’ legislative powers, in a move condemned by opposition parties as an attempt to install a dictatorship.
The court, which has consistently sided with President Nicolas Maduro’s administration, said that as long as the Congress remains in “contempt” of past court rulings “congressional functions will be exercised by this chamber or another chosen organ”.
The dispute centres on three legislators banned over vote fraud accusations.
Maduro critics say is an excuse for the government to muzzle opposition during a mounting economic crisis in the oil-rich country.
The Democratic Unity organisation, an opposition bloc, criticised the Supreme Court’s decision on Thursday, with several legislators accusing Maduro of acting like a dictator.