Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro, whose nearly 12-year tenure has been marked by a severe economic and social crisis, will be sworn in for a third term on Friday (10). The ceremony comes amid an intense six-month dispute over the results of July's presidential election and international calls for him to step down.
Maduro, who took office in 2013, was declared the winner by Venezuela's electoral authority and top court. However, the lack of detailed results confirming his victory raises questions about the transparency of the election.
The opposition, in turn, argues that the ballot results prove a landslide victory for its candidate, Edmundo González, who has been recognized as president-elect by several governments, including the United States. International observers have pointed out irregularities and described the electoral process as unfair.
Tensions and arrests after the elections
In the months following the election, Venezuela’s political landscape has become even more turbulent. González fled to Spain in September, while his ally, Maria Corina Machado, remains in hiding in the country. In addition, the government has detained several opposition figures and protesters.
González recently declared his intention to return to Venezuela to take office as president, but has not revealed details about how he will carry out his return. The government accuses the opposition of conspiring against Maduro and has said it will arrest González if he returns, in addition to offering a $100,000 reward for information leading to his capture.
Both González and Machado are being investigated by the attorney general's office for alleged conspiracy. However, only González has a public arrest warrant.
Maria Corina Machado and the growing support for the opposition
Tensions rose on Thursday (9) during Maria Corina Machado’s first public appearance since August. Maria Corina Machado participated in an anti-government march in Caracas, where authorities briefly detained her. Her political movement reported that shots were fired during the event and that Machado was knocked off a motorcycle as she tried to leave the scene. They later forced her to record videos before releasing her.
“I am now in a safe place and more determined than ever to continue with you until the end!” Machado declared in a post on the social network X. She was barred from running in the elections, but remains a central figure in the opposition to Maduro’s government.
The government denied any involvement in the incident and classified the episode as an attempt by the opposition to generate support for Machado.
Source: Notícias Agrícolas
