CARACAS, Venezuela – Venezuelans expressed skepticism Wednesday on President Nicolas Maduro’s claims that saboteurs caused a blackout that knocked out electricity in about 70 percent of the country, creating chaos in Caracas by interrupting subway service and snarling traffic.
For many, no explanation was necessary: Government neglect and incompetence are to blame for blackouts that have plagued Venezuela for years while rarely affecting the capital.
“I don’t believe this tale about sabotage. We all know who is to blame,” said Adriana Montoya, a housewife who said she was stuck for hours in traffic that jammed up as traffic lights went dark and subway service halted in Caracas, which lost power for five hours Tuesday.
Others complained of being stuck in trains in darkened subway tunnels before being evacuated to safety.
Demands flooded Twitter calling for the resignation of Electrical Energy Minister Jesse Chacon, who vowed after being named to the post in April to revamp the power grid.
Maduro claimed sabotage by “the extreme right-wing” was the cause, but did not present any evidence
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