As the economic crisis deepens and the political climate intensifies in Venezuela, President Nicolas Maduro announced he’s creating an assembly of representatives to propose changes to the country’s constitution. While Maduro says it is an attempt to bring peace, opponents see it as a move towards dictatorship. Opponents took to the streets in the capital city of Caracas in protest, adding to other protests that have been going on for months. Listen to hear more about what this means for Venezuela's future.
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April 3, 2017
3:37
Thousands of Russians took to the streets this week in Moscow and other cities to demand the resignation of Russian prime minister, Dmitry Medvedev. Ten thousand people showed up to protest in St. Petersburg and about 20,000 people joined protests in Moscow, making this the largest anti-government protest the country has seen in years. Anti-corruption activist and government opposition leader Alexei Navalny organized the nationwide protests after publishing an investigation that alleged serious corruption charges against the prime minister. Listen to learn more about the mass protests and the motivations behind them.
Read MoreDecember 22, 2016
3:18
Lawmakers in South Korean voted 234-56 recently to impeach President Park Geun-hye. A constitutional court will now decide whether to remove her from office because of her involvement in a corruption scandal. In South Korea there have been protests of Park’s leadership, with over 2 million people calling for her impeachment. President Park’s power as president is temporarily removed as the court makes its decision. Listen to hear more about the ongoing political events in South Korea.
Read MoreDecember 5, 2016
8:34
Former Cuban leader Fidel Castro has died at age 90. Castro took power in the Cuban Revolution in 1959 and was in power for nearly 50 years leading the only communist state in the Western Hemisphere. He led a movement to overthrow Fulgencio Batista, Cuba's military dictator, and had wide support from Cubans. But there were flaws in his socialist system, and the economy, education, and health care systems fell into disrepair. Castro outlasted many U.S. presidents and their attempts to overthrow him. He was a skilled politician with a complex legacy, and a man determined to continue holding power whatever the costs. Listen to hear more about the leadership and life of Fidel Castro.
Read MoreJuly 11, 2016
3:16
For years, socialist president of Venezuela Hugo Chavez, led the country as a dramatic presence. Three years after his death, Venezuela is spiraling downward. It’s economy depended mostly on oil, and with the crash in oil prices there are rolling power blackouts and food shortages. The government can’t pay to import goods, so many grocery shelves are empty, leaving hungry citizens to resort to looting. Venezuela’s president, Nicolás Maduro, has refused to allow a recall referendum against him and the country is becoming politically unstable. Listen to hear more about the crisis in Venezuela.
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