Venezuela's Guaido barred from public office for 15 years

Venezuelan opposition leader Juan Guaido, who many nations have recognized as the country's rightful interim ruler, speaks during a meeting regarding the condition of the water and electricity systems in Caracas, Venezuela, March 28, 2019. REUTERS/Ivan Alvarado

CARACAS (Reuters) - The Venezuelan government said opposition leader Juan Guaido would be barred from public office for 15 years on Thursday, as it seeks to crack down on the U.S.-backed rival to President Nicolas Maduro.

Guaido has called for fresh protests on Saturday against Maduro, following a blackout this week that left the country without power for days.