CARACAS, Venezuela — On Friday, Nicolás Maduro was officially inaugurated for a third consecutive six-year term, facing widespread international backlash over the legitimacy of his recent electoral victory. This comes as his regime intensifies its crackdown on dissent within the country.
The ceremony took place at the legislative palace, which was secured by a heavy presence of military and law enforcement. Supporters of Maduro convened nearby, many wearing T-shirts emblazoned with pro-Maduro slogans. Meanwhile, opposition groups planned to rally as news spread that a key opposition figure had been detained briefly after a demonstration in Caracas the previous day.
In a significant political move, the United Kingdom imposed sanctions on 15 high-ranking Venezuelan officials, including members of the electoral service and the military’s leadership. The U.K. labeled Maduro’s claim to the presidency as illegitimate, asserting that the sanctions served as a warning against further oppression and human rights violations perpetrated by his administration. Foreign Secretary David Lammy described Maduro’s leadership as “fraudulent.”
The inauguration event was markedly absent of regional support, with only a few leaders from nations that have faced their own human rights criticisms attending. Countries such as Peru have publicly recognized opposition leader Edmundo González as the legitimate leader instead of Maduro, with leftist figures like Colombia’s Gustavo Petro and Mexico’s Claudia Sheinbaum noticeably missing from the ceremony.
In a statement, a coalition of Venezuelan opposition parties condemned the inauguration, claiming it represented a “coup d’état” against the democratic will of the people. They asserted that Maduro’s rise to a third term was enforced through violence and blatant disregard for the electorate’s choice. The coalition insists that González, who they claim won the presidential election in July, is the rightful president. They emphasized a renewed commitment to democratic resistance until the constitution and popular will are respected.
In light of Maduro’s defiance and the ongoing turmoil, the U.S. government has unveiled additional sanctions targeting Venezuelan officials, including those involved in the repression of dissent and human rights violations. This round of sanctions specifically affected high-ranking members of the military, the leadership of state-owned oil companies, and others tied to Maduro’s oppressive conduct. Additionally, the U.S. State Department increased its reward for information leading to the capture of Maduro and key figures in his regime, establishing bounties of up to $25 million.
During his inauguration, Maduro claimed that his administration is operating within constitutional bounds, refuting allegations of election fraud. He directed accusations toward foreign nations for “attacking” Venezuela while vowing to uphold peace and national sovereignty. Following his speech, he was greeted by supportive crowds jubilantly cheering his name.
Despite promises to return to the country, opposition leader Edmundo González remains in the Dominican Republic, where he held a press conference amidst a backdrop of uncertainty about his pathway to power. González, recognized by the United States and other international entities as the legitimate president, has not disclosed how he plans to confront Maduro’s stranglehold over the military and government apparatus.
As Maduro took his oath in a heavily secured legislative palace, he made promises of loyalty to Venezuelan historical figures, declaring, “I swear by history, I swear by my life.” His inauguration drew reactions from supportive neighboring leaders like Cuba’s Miguel Díaz-Canel and Nicaragua’s Daniel Ortega, both also facing scrutiny for governance methods.
The European Union has also enacted sanctions against 15 Venezuelan officials involved in the controversial recent elections, underscoring ongoing concerns about the state of democracy in the country.
In addition to these political developments, Venezuelan authorities took measures to suspend commercial flights and shut down the border with Colombia, coinciding with González’s planned return. The closure was effective for 72 hours, following rising tensions surrounding the recent electoral outcome.
Historically, Maduro has withstood intense international scrutiny throughout his presidency, characterized by widespread allegations of corrupt practices and human rights abuses. Despite overwhelming evidence of his defeat in the last election, he continues to maintain power amid accusations of significant electoral fraud. The ongoing crisis in Venezuela has led millions to flee as poverty and desperation escalate under his administration, demonstrating the pervasive influence of socio-economic challenges in the country today.
In a somber backdrop to the inauguration, a number of political opponents have been detained or reported kidnapped, including activists and family members of González. These incidents underline the lengths to which Maduro’s regime will go to secure its control and silence dissent. There are numerous unverified reports of American detainees who lack access to legal assistance, heightening concerns for their welfare amid the political turbulence.
Credible sources assert that electoral authorities declared Maduro the victor shortly after the polls closed, yet discrepancies in reporting raise serious questions. Evidence from opposition parties suggests that González achieved a substantial victory, and independent experts have validated the integrity of their claims. Despite demands for transparency from the Venezuelan populace and international observers, the electoral governing body has yet to release comprehensive vote counts, raising further skepticism about the legitimacy of Maduro’s victory.
