THE Communist Party of Venezuela (PCV) on Sunday accused the governing United Socialist Party of Venezuela (PSUV) of attacking it to “neutralise its role in the social struggles” in the country.

The PCV says that the ruling party is attempting to set up a fake communist party to undermine it.

PCV general secretary Oscar Figuera said that “our decision to confront the neoliberal package that the government has imposed, accompanying the struggles of the people, is one of the main reasons why today it wants to attack the PCV.”

He said: “The leadership of the PSUV wants to usurp the legal personality of the PCV and neutralise its role in the social struggles in the country.

“There is clarity today in broad sectors of what the country is playing for today and of the need to contribute to the defence of an instrument that is at the service of the people’s struggles.”

Relations between the PSUV and the PCV have deteriorated in recent years.

Last month the PCV agreed to build “an alternative” to socialist President Nicolas Maduro in 2024.

The PCV has been accused by President Maduro of dividing the revolutionary movement after it stood candidates against the PSUV in last year’s elections.

Mr Maduro accused the PCV of being “agents of imperialism” while, in turn, the PCV has accused Mr Maduro of waging “anti-communist attacks” on the party and blocking its candidates from standing.

A number of communists have been killed in recent months in Venezuela with the PCV slamming government inaction in bringing the perpetrators to justice.

The Communist Party of Britain called the move by the PSUV “atrocious” and said: “We stand shoulder to shoulder with our comrades in Venezuela.”