The Venezuelan president Nicolas Maduro has been sworn in for a third six-year term, despite protests from around the globe that brought thousands of people to the streets the day before.
Maria Corina Machado, the leader of the opposition, was briefly detained after the rally according to her team. This renewed international criticism against Maduro, who was accused of stealing votes and intimidating critics.
She reported that the government had denied Machado’s arrest. However, security forces stopped Machado’s convoy in Caracas after an anti-government protest. Witnesses reported hearing gunfire. The woman was taken away.
Maduro took his oath at the Venezuelan legislative building Friday. He was sworn in by officials.
“I swear by Bolivar and Urdaneta, as well as Manuela Saez. Maduro said, “I swear to the eternal memory of Hugo Chavez as our eternal commander. I swear also by my history.”
As he spoke, the crowd cheered.
Trump, other world leaders react to Machado detention:
In an online post, Donald Trump, President-elect, of the United States referred to Machado, along with Edmundo Gonzalez Urrutia, as a “freedom fighter”. This was the man who replaced Machado on the ballot during the July 28th elections, and it was widely believed that he had defeated Maduro.
On his Truth Social Network, he wrote that the children “shouldn’t get hurt and MUST stay SAFE and ALIVE”.
Trump imposed sanctions on the Maduro government during his first term in office because of its anti-democratic actions. Biden’s successor, Trump, then lifted the sanctions and reimposed them. The sanctions could be more severe in Trump’s second tenure.
Ecuador has condemned Maduro for his “dictatorship” whereas Spain was brief in its condemnation.
The Colombian Government, whose socialist president Gustavo Petro is historically an ally of Maduro, has condemned the “systematic harassment against Machado.”
Giorgia Melo, the right-wing Italian prime minister, condemned on Friday “another unacceptable act of repression”, but did not mention Machado.
Meloni said in a release that “the news out of Venezuela represents another unacceptable act of repression by the Maduro Government.” We do not accept his declared election victory. “We will work to ensure a democratic and peaceful transition. Venezuelans must finally realize their legitimate aspirations for freedom and democracy.
Freddy Bernal announced that the border between Venezuela, Colombia, and Brazil will reopen on Monday. He cited “an international conspiracy” to disrupt Venezuelan peace.
Machado is the leader of the opposition who has never wavered: “We have no fear”
Machado delivered an address defiant to thousands of supporters in the central Caracas region, sending a message clear to the Venezuelan Government: “We are not afraid.” “
Ana Corina Sosa attended the same protest in Paris with Machado’s daughter and dozens of other supporters.
According to opposition parties, a new wave of repression is underway in advance of Maduro being sworn in. This includes the arrest of another candidate for the presidency, the director of an NGO that promotes press freedom, and Gonzalez Urrutia’s son-in-law.
The United Nations has expressed alarm this week at reports of intimidation and arbitrary arrests.
More than 2,400 people were arrested in protests against Maduro’s claims that he won the election last year. Around 200 people were also injured. 28 people died, and he maintained a fragile peace by deploying massive military and police forces and assisting paramilitary colectivos – armed civilians accused of terrorizing neighborhoods to quell the protests.
Gonzalez Urrutia, a 75-year-old former diplomat has tentatively expressed plans to fly to Caracas this week in order to seize power. The plan is unlikely to be implemented.
Caracas is awash with posters offering $100,000 as a reward for his capture.
Gonzalez Urrutia has been on a world tour to pressure Maduro into giving up power. “
Maduro has been in power since 2013, after the death of his mentor, leftist firebrand Hugo Chavez. Many people viewed Maduro’s re-election in 2018 as fraudulent. He still managed to keep power through a mix of populism and repression, even as the economy crashed.
Maduro has the support of Russia, and Cuba, as well as loyal military personnel and judges. This system is well-established.
On Thursday, thousands of loyalists of the ruling party staged a rival demonstration in central Caracas. They promised to stop any attempts to prevent Maduro’s return to office.