The leader of Venezuela's opposition-led Congress said on Friday he was prepared to assume the country's presidency on an interim basis and call elections, just one day after leftist President Nicolas Maduro was sworn in for a disputed second term.

Prepared to assume presidency on interim basis: Leader of Venezuela Congress

Venezuela's President Nicolas Maduro defended his government's legitimacy Sunday as his bid for a second six-year term has come under growing fire internationally and by the country's opposition-controlled National Assembly.

'Venezuela will be respected,' tweets Maduro defending his rule as legitimate

US Defense Secretary Jim Mattis on Saturday condemned Venezuela's socialist President Nicolas Maduro as a despot leading his oil-rich nation to ruin, adding "ultimately this regime is going to have to go" for the situation to improve.

Mattis condemns Venezuela's Maduro as a 'despot' who has to go

The withdrawal of the 100-bolivar banknote has now been postponed until January 2

Venezuela: Maduro delays withdrawal of currency bills

Angry protests erupted around the country as the chaotic reform left people without money to buy food or Christmas presents