protestants turned violent on the street crying out for food and medicine!

Protestants stormed the streets of Venezuela's capital on Thursday wearing white and waving flags as they marched, blaming Maduro's government for food shortages and major economic problems and

demanding a recall vote to remove President Nicolas Maduro from power.

Many Venezuelans have lost patience with the socialist president amid widespread shortages of food and medical supplies, surging crime levels, rolling blackouts and massive inflation. Experts predict Venezuela's economy will shrink by 10% this year, while inflation will rise by 700%.

"There is no food. There is no paper. There is no medicine. We are dying," Maria Alvarez told CNN en Español. "Please, help Venezuela. This has to end. Maduro, you have to understand that your time is up."

Opposition leaders dubbed the massive demonstration "The Takeover of Caracas" and said they hoped the peaceful protest would have a historic turnout.

Protesters filled three major avenues in the east of Caracas. Images of the protests showed throngs of people in plazas and roadways. So far, the situation has remained peaceful.

Venezuelan officials say they aren't to blame for the country's mounting problems; they accuse the political right of carrying out an economic war to undermine the government.