Henrique Capriles Radonski

Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro called for a new constitution May 1 as he fights to quell a crisis that has led to more than a month of protests against him and deadly street violence.

Opponents of the Venezuelan government vowed fresh huge protests on April 20, upping the ante in their bid to oust President Nicolas Maduro after a day of deadly clashes in the oil-rich but beleaguered nation.

Venezuela’s opposition-led National Assembly in a rowdy session on Sunday pressed to put Nicolas Maduro on trial for violating democracy, days after authorities nixed a recall referendum against the unpopular leftist president.

Venezuela’s President Nicolas Maduro on Saturday night increased the country’s minimum wage 30 percent, amid rampant inflation that has destroyed purchasing power in the crisis-hit country.

As of May 1, the minimum wage will jump to 15,051 bolivars per month – $1,505 at the strongest official exchange rate but just $13.50 at the black market rate.

Venezuela's opposition won control of congress for the first time in 16 years on Dec. 7 as voters punished the socialist government for an economic crisis and insecurity in the oil-rich nation.

President Nicolas Maduro promptly accepted the defeat, a blow to his leadership and the "revolution" of "21st century socialism" launched by his late predecessor Hugo Chavez.

Thousands donned white and took to the streets in cities across the country May 30 in the biggest show of frustration with Venezuela's socialist administration since a wave of bloody anti-government protests a year ago.