Venezuela: Pro- and anti-government activists to demonstrate in Caracas, Jan. 23

Supporters and opponents of Venezuela's national government plan to stage opposing demonstrations in Caracas on Jan. 23 as part of the commemoration of the 1958 overthrow of dictator Marcos Perez Jimenez. Members of the ruling Socialist United Party of Venezuela (Partido Socialista Unido de Venezuela, PSUV) will march from Parque Francisco de Miranda to the city center along Avenida Francisco de Miranda. Although organizers have not announced a specific start time, the march will probably begin early in the day.

Anti-government activists, including supporters of the main opposition presidential candidate Maria Corina Machado, will gather at Plaza Altamira in the Chacao municipality starting at 10:30. Additionally, unionized education workers assemble at Plaza Venezuela starting at 09:00 to continue their campaign to demand improved salaries and benefits.

The demonstrations will probably draw large crowds of participants, likely causing significant transport disruptions in eastern and central Caracas. Heightened security is likely. Clashes between opposing groups, or between police and opposition members, are possible.