News in the United States and Venezuela made the front pages of the week .
These are the most relevant news of this week. / Photos: Pixabay, Flickr-Steve Jurvetson
LatinAmerican Post | Santiago Gómez Hernández
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Leer en español: Caos en Washington y un nuevo “hombre más rico del mundo”
Chaos in Washington and confirmation of Biden
Perhaps the most relevant news of the whole week was the irruption of thousands of followers of President Donald Trump to Congress in the middle of the session that sought to confirm Joe Biden as president of the United States.
#LoMásVisto | Este vídeo recoge el caos en uno de los pasillos del Capitolio de Washington justo después de que un agente disparase a una de las partidarias de Trump que habían asaltado el edificio. El asalto al Capitolio ha dejado al menos 4 muertos https://t.co/QOcp7XgU7N pic.twitter.com/TRoQ95VTnz
— Europa Press (@europapress) January 8, 2021
However, after resuming the session and despite the chaos, Trump's strategies and the obstacles of a few Republican congressmen, Congress certified the presidential votes that gave the Democrat victory. This, with the approval of Vice President Mike Pence, who disobeyed his boss and was inclined to recognize the triumph of his opponent (triumph approved by judges, prosecutors, states and governors). The invasion left at least 5 people dead, including a police officer.
Democrats equalize the Senate and win it by default
Also related to North American politics, the state of Georgia distributed its last 2 seats for the United States Senate. Both were left to Democrats Rapahel Warnoc (the state's first black congressman) and John Ossoff, leaving each party with 50 seats in the upper house. However, this tie gives a victory to the donkey party, since at the time of voting and there is a tie, according to the constitution, Vice President Kamala Harris will give the last vote.
#ÚLTIMAHORA Demócratas ganan la segunda banca senatorial en juego en Georgia y se aseguran el control del Senado (medios) #AFP pic.twitter.com/b3LDbSRf9w
— Agence France-Presse (@AFPespanol) January 6, 2021
This leaves Biden in full control of Congress and free to pass Democratic measures for the next 2 years (while there are new congressional elections). Additionally, it will also allow Democrats to elect the next Supreme Court justices without the need for Republican support.
But it is also important to note that given the slight Democratic advantage, it is possible that on controversial issues, rebel senators move the balance to either side.
Also read: USA: How easy will the political transition be?
European Union removes recognition from Guaidó
A new blow was received by the Venezuelan opponent, Juan Guaidó, with the decision of the European Union to stop recognizing him as interim president of his country, over Nicolás Maduro.
La UE no reconoce la representatividad democrática de la nueva Asamblea Nacional de Venezuela. Llama a todos los actores del país a alcanzar una solución dialogada e integradora. (1/2)https://t.co/1oFMuLs14v
— Josep Borrell Fontelles (@JosepBorrellF) January 6, 2021
This happened just after Chavismo regained control of the National Assembly after elections that the European Union itself does not know about the results. Now that Guaidó does not hold the position of president of the Assembly, the international organization decided to continue supporting him, but without recognizing him as de facto president of the country.
Elon Musk, the richest man on the planet
Despite going through an economic crisis due to the pandemic, several billionaires saw their fortunes increase. One of them is the creator of the electric car brand Tesla, Elon Musk. Precisely, this week the shares of his company soared and allowed him to surpass the one who at that time held the first place in fortune since 2017, Jeff Bezos (owner of Amazon). The also owner of SpaceX has an approximate fortune of 188,500 million dollars.
El presidente de Tesla Inc y empresario multimillonario Elon Musk superó al máximo jefe de Amazon, Jeff Bezos, para convertirse en el hombre más rico del mundo, según Bloomberg News pic.twitter.com/b7WVp0ycDz
— Reuters Latam (@ReutersLatam) January 8, 2021