Maduro Condemns Strike and Says New Assembly Will Bring Order

Venezuela’s President Nicolas Maduro has condemned the “civic strike” called on Thursday by the opposition.

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Maduro said the action against his government really consisted of blocking the streets and shutting people inside their housing estates.

95 percent of private industry remained operational during the strike, while the public sector was 100 percent active, according to the president.

Maduro said the violence of the opposition clashes affected 50 percent of trade and shopping centers had to close because of alleged threats.

Three people died in the unrest.

The escalating unrest comes as the country is preparing for elections on July 30, to choose representatives to the National Constituent Assembly called by Maduro in an effort to ease political tensions and bring about peace.

Hundreds of candidates have been campaigning to serve on the ANC and to secure the people’s right to vote against the call to boycott the polls by the right-wing MUD alliance.

Speaking at a meeting of the national economic council in Caracas, Maduro said, “We need a Constituent Assembly to restore order and make it possible for Venezuelans to come back together.  …We are heading for a great victory for peace.”

He told businessmen that an economic revolution is necessary in Venezuela with the participation of all sectors to promote the country’s growth.

And he ratified the commitment of his government to work with private sector entrepreneurs in order to consolidate the nation’s productive capacity.

“(Entrepreneurs) have in me the greatest ally they will ever have in the history of the Republic of Venezuela” Maduro said.