Like so much in this country destabilized by political and economic turmoil, the General Motors plant here in one of Venezuela’s largest cities no longer functions. What caused the stoppage is a matter of fierce debate among Venezuelans, one that highlights a major division at the heart of the nation’s escalating crisis. The conflict came to a head last week, when, against a backdrop of bloody street protests raging across the nation, GM announced it was leaving Venezuela. “They’re absolutely destroying the productive apparatus of the country and just making the country worse,” he said. Meanwhile, as they wait to see what happens next, Tortolero and other workers have set up several tents at the entrance to the factory.

Source: Los Angeles Times April 25, 2017 09:56 UTC