Venezuelan unions call June 3 national protest for free elections

Union leaders in Venezuela announced a nationwide demonstration for June 3, demanding that free elections be called and that political prisoners be released. Union secretary‑general José Patines told workers at a gathering at the Central University of Venezuela that protesters will also demand basic services such as water and electricity.

Patines called for a “cacerolazo” at 8:00 p.m. on June 3 aimed at interim president Delcy Rodríguez and National Assembly president Jorge Rodríguez, saying “we don’t want them any longer.” He warned that the interim mandate expires on July 3, giving the opposition a 30‑day window to push for elections. The unions also scheduled a follow‑up protest on June 9 to press for salary increases after the government announced bonuses instead of wage hikes.

The protests come five months after a U.S.‑led military action captured former president Nicolás Maduro, leaving the interim government’s legal standing under scrutiny and intensifying calls for a democratic transition.