Venezuela’s opposition coalition has called a general strike in protest of the government, however its initial success appeared mixed.
The Democratic Unity Roundtable (MUD) had called on Venezuelans to stay home for 12 hours Friday to demand action on a referendum to recall President Nicolas Maduro, which was suspended last week by elections authorities.
In Caracas, traffic appeared lighter than usual.
The public sector remained open for business, although many public transport stations, especially in Caracas’ metro system, appeared deserted early in the day.
MUD claimed victory, posting pictures of empty streets on social media.
Opposition congressman Simon Calzadilla said “this Friday looks like Sunday despite the threats, citizens stayed home.”
The government, however, called the strike a failure.
Labour Minister Oswaldo Vera said the workday played out like any other and government aligned broadcaster Telesur showed its own pictures of buses, taxis and pedestrians in Caracas’ city centre.
Maduro had threatened businesses taking part in the strike with seizure by the government, and announced government inspections to determine whether businesses were open.
The industry association Conindustria supported the protest action.
“Venezuela is in immediate need of a deep correction and a change of course in its economy and political institutions to create well-being for Venezuelans,” the group said ahead of the strike.
The strike is the latest of a series of nationwide protest actions to demand action on the recall referendum.
On Wednesday, hundreds of thousands of anti-government demonstrators marched in cities across the country.
The opposition has threatened to march on the presidential palace on Nov. 3 if its demands for a recall vote are not met. (dpa/NAN)