In Venezuela, opposition leaders have staged a general strike to push for a referendum on removing President Nicolas Maduro from power. Many shops, businesses and schools stayed closed Friday and public transport was quieter than usual. But adherence to the strike was patchy and poorer areas largely ignored it. Mr Maduro, who had warned companies they risked being seized if they joined the strike, said the walkout had failed. Speaking to crowds of supporters, he said the oil industry had ignored the strike, as had basic industries, banks, schools and transport.<br/><br/>Mr Maduro also announced measures to offset economic hardship – mostly caused by plummeting oil prices – by promising to implement a 40 per cent rise of the minimum wage. <br/><br/>The move has been dismissed by analysts as insignificant when the country faces spiralling inflation. The centre-right opposition coalition is also angry over a decision to block a referendum on removing Mr Maduro from power in the oil-rich South American country.

In Venezuela, opposition leaders have staged a general strike to push for a referendum on removing President Nicolas Maduro from power. Many shops, businesses and schools stayed closed Friday and public transport was quieter than usual. But adherence to the strike was patchy and poorer areas largely ignored it. Mr Maduro, who had warned companies they risked being seized if they joined the strike, said the walkout had failed. Speaking to crowds of supporters, he said the oil industry had ignored the strike, as had basic industries, banks, schools and transport.<br/><br/>Mr Maduro also announced measures to offset economic hardship – mostly caused by plummeting oil prices – by promising to implement a 40 per cent rise of the minimum wage. <br/><br/>The move has been dismissed by analysts as insignificant when the country faces spiralling inflation. The centre-right opposition coalition is also angry over a decision to block a referendum on removing Mr Maduro from power in the oil-rich South American country.