CARACAS, Venezuela — Tens of thousands of Venezuelans opposed to President Hugo Chavez took to the streets Saturday, blaming him for rolling blackouts, water rationing, widespread crime and other problems they say are making daily life increasingly difficult.
Chavez backers flooded the capital’s avenues with an equally impressive demonstration as the socialist leader confronts mounting criticism and an emboldened opposition ahead of congressional elections.
Waving Venezuelan flags, protesters accused Chavez of dragging the politically divided South American country into a severe crisis as he drives to transform it into a socialist state. “Chavez is leading the country to ruin,” said 79-year-old Olga Damjanovich at the opposition protest.
Many wore T-shirts that read: “3 Strikes: Blackouts, Water Rationing and Crime. Chavez, You’ve Struck Out!” Chavez backers rebutted the criticism, accusing opponents of exaggeration. The Associated Press
