Guaidó

Juan Gerardo Guaidó Márquez (born 1983) is a Venezuelan politician and engineer who became a prominent opposition figure to Nicolás Maduro. A member of Voluntad Popular (Popular Will), he rose to national prominence as a deputy in the National Assembly. In January 2019, he was elected president of the National Assembly. A few days later, on January 23, 2019, Guaidó proclaimed himself interim president of Venezuela, arguing that Maduro's presidency was illegitimate and that the Assembly, under the constitution, had the authority to appoint a transitional government until new elections could be held. The move was recognized by several countries, including the United States and several of its allies, while Maduro and his supporters rejected the claim and maintained control of most state institutions.

Since then, Guaidó has remained a leading figure of the Venezuelan opposition, participating in international diplomacy, humanitarian efforts, and calls for free elections. He has faced political and legal pressure from the Maduro government and has at times lived outside Venezuela, though he has continued to be active in opposition strategy and advocacy. His leadership has been a focal point in the ongoing political and constitutional crisis in Venezuela, a crisis compounded by economic hardship and international polarization.

Voluntad Popular is one of several opposition parties that have pressed for democratic reforms, with Guaidó's status symbolizing the challenge to Maduro's government. The situation in Venezuela remains complex, with varying levels of recognition for different political actors among foreign governments.