(CARACAS, Venezuela) — Anti-government protesters jammed the streets of Venezuela’s capital on Wednesday on the heels of a decision by congress to open a political trial against President Nicolas Maduro, whose allies have blocked moves for a recall election. Tens of thousands of demonstrators shut down Caracas’ main highway, and schools and shops were closed as protesters occupied other key points around the city to demand the ouster of Maduro, who many Venezuelans blame for triple-digit inflation and shortages of food, medicines and other basic goods. In other major cities protesters clashed with police in what opposition leaders were calling “the takeover of Venezuela.” “Maduro has shown how scared he is that the people will express themselves,” opposition leader Henrique Capriles said. Read More: What You Need to Know About the Explosive Situation in Venezuela The protests come after electoral authorities blocked a recall campaign against the deeply unpopular president last week.