World Affairs Council of Greater Houston presents David Smolansky: Venezuela's Crisis in Leadership & the Clashing Support of Global Powers

eventdetail
Photo courtesy of World Affairs Council of Greater Houston

David Smolansky is the youngest mayor in Venezuelan history and a founding member of Voluntad Popular, the opposition party of the declared interim President of Venezuela Juan Guaido. In 2017, he was forced from office by President Maduro and a warrant was issued for his arrest. After over a month on the run, traveling over 700 miles and passing though 35 military check points, Smolansky finally escaped to Brazil.

While in exile, he has continued his efforts to challenge Maduro's regime and build unity in the often fractured opposition. Smolansky will address the outlook for the political opposition, the potential role of the Venezuelan military, the possibilities for new elections and the international divisions regarding who is recognized as the true leader of Venezuela.

The elected Head of the National Assembly and declared Interim President, Juan Guaido, is recognized by a growing list of nations, including: the U.S.; almost all of Latin America (including neighboring Brazil and Colombia); and almost all of Europe (including the U.K., Germany, Spain and France). President Maduro is currently recognized by Russia, China, Cuba, Iran and a few other nations.

After years of political, social and economic chaos, might this finally be a true turning point for Venezuela? And if so, what will be required to rebuild a broken nation and heal its deep social divides?

David Smolansky is the youngest mayor in Venezuelan history and a founding member of Voluntad Popular, the opposition party of the declared interim President of Venezuela Juan Guaido. In 2017, he was forced from office by President Maduro and a warrant was issued for his arrest. After over a month on the run, traveling over 700 miles and passing though 35 military check points, Smolansky finally escaped to Brazil.

While in exile, he has continued his efforts to challenge Maduro's regime and build unity in the often fractured opposition. Smolansky will address the outlook for the political opposition, the potential role of the Venezuelan military, the possibilities for new elections and the international divisions regarding who is recognized as the true leader of Venezuela.

The elected Head of the National Assembly and declared Interim President, Juan Guaido, is recognized by a growing list of nations, including: the U.S.; almost all of Latin America (including neighboring Brazil and Colombia); and almost all of Europe (including the U.K., Germany, Spain and France). President Maduro is currently recognized by Russia, China, Cuba, Iran and a few other nations.

After years of political, social and economic chaos, might this finally be a true turning point for Venezuela? And if so, what will be required to rebuild a broken nation and heal its deep social divides?

David Smolansky is the youngest mayor in Venezuelan history and a founding member of Voluntad Popular, the opposition party of the declared interim President of Venezuela Juan Guaido. In 2017, he was forced from office by President Maduro and a warrant was issued for his arrest. After over a month on the run, traveling over 700 miles and passing though 35 military check points, Smolansky finally escaped to Brazil.

While in exile, he has continued his efforts to challenge Maduro's regime and build unity in the often fractured opposition. Smolansky will address the outlook for the political opposition, the potential role of the Venezuelan military, the possibilities for new elections and the international divisions regarding who is recognized as the true leader of Venezuela.

The elected Head of the National Assembly and declared Interim President, Juan Guaido, is recognized by a growing list of nations, including: the U.S.; almost all of Latin America (including neighboring Brazil and Colombia); and almost all of Europe (including the U.K., Germany, Spain and France). President Maduro is currently recognized by Russia, China, Cuba, Iran and a few other nations.

After years of political, social and economic chaos, might this finally be a true turning point for Venezuela? And if so, what will be required to rebuild a broken nation and heal its deep social divides?

WHEN

WHERE

United Way of Greater Houston Community Resource Center
50 Waugh Dr.
Houston, TX 77007
https://www.wachouston.org/programs-a-events/programs/upcoming-programs/event/531

TICKET INFO

$25; free for members.
All events are subject to change due to weather or other concerns. Please check with the venue or organization to ensure an event is taking place as scheduled.