Tensions Boil Over in Venezuela in President’s Absence

Shoppers queue outside of a supermarket in downtown Caracas, Venezuela, Thursday, Jan. 8, 2015. Venezuelans continue to struggle to find basic goods including detergent and sugar. Most of the shortages in Venezuela are driven in part by the country's tight currency controls, which make it hard to get dollars at a subsidized rate for imports while creating a thriving black market for currency. AP Photo/Fernando Llano

CARACAS, Venezuela—A high-profile Venezuelan opposition leader is calling for protests while President Nicolas Maduro travels abroad seeking help for the financially struggling country.

Tensions have escalated in recent days as the socialist administration has deployed troops and implemented a rationing system to control lines at government-run supermarkets.

Henrique Capriles, who nearly defeated Maduro in the 2013 presidential election, said Monday that it was time for public demonstrations.

“We are in a state of emergency,” he said. “This is the time to mobilize in the streets”

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