The opposition says the referendum has given them a mandate for change and has stepped up its offensive with a “Zero Hour” campaign involving general strikes, intensified protests and the appointment of a new Supreme Court. It is also working to form a unity government ready to take over from Mr Maduro, who has blasted the moves as an attempt at parallel rule and begun to arrest the alternative judges.

How much popular support does Mr Maduro have?

According to independent polls, not a lot. Despite being named by Chavez as his heir before his death from cancer in March 2013, he won only the thinnest of victories in the presidential election the following month.

Many former supporters of Chavez have abandoned him as the country has plunged into economic crisis. Despite being named by Chavez as his heir before his death from cancer in March 2013, he won only the thinnest of victories in the presidential election the following month.

Venezuelan inflation was already considered out of control under Chavez, but those days now seem rosy in comparison to the current economic strife. When Mr Maduro took office, the value of the Bolivar on the widely-used black market was 23 to the US dollar - today it is approaching 10,000. Along with soaring prices, severe shortages of food and medicines have left many Venezuelans struggling to survive, and large numbers are now seeking refuge in neighboring countries.