Europe at risk of political explosions over economic crisis: Maduro

Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro has warned Europe of “political explosions” following its growing economic crisis.

Maduro made the remarks in an interview with France’s Le Monde newspaper on Thursday.

“What is happening in Europe at the moment reminds me of what our region went through in the 1990s, all the social indicators were in decline and this led to political explosions, revolutions,” the Venezuelan President said.
“Europe should be careful,” he added.

Maduro also blamed the Venezuela’s “extreme-right group” for the tensions that erupted in the country after the April 14 election.

Maduro defeated opposition leader Henrique Capriles by receiving 50.7 percent of the vote against 49.1 percent, with a difference of 235,000 ballots.

Capriles refused to recognize his defeat alleging that irregularities had taken place. Venezuela’s National Electoral Council said Capriles has failed to present any compelling proof over his claims.

Maduro then referred to Chile’s 1973 coup that brought Augusto Pinochet to power, saying “We will prevent a new Pinochet from rising in Venezuela. We will do this by democratic means.”

He also criticized the government of US President Barack Obama. “Obama smiles, but he bombs all the same. He just puts forward a different image from (ex-president George W. Bush). In this sense, he better serves the United States’ interests in global domination.”

On March 8, Maduro became Venezuela’s acting president, following the death of late President Hugo Chavez, who lost a two-year-long battle with cancer on March 5.

Maduro has promised to continue the socialist policies of the former leader.