Politics Despite international criticism: Maduro sworn in in Venezuela
Despite an election overshadowed by allegations of fraud and international criticism, Venezuela's authoritarian President Nicolás Maduro has been sworn in for another term of office until 2031. The President of the National Assembly, Jorge Rodríguez, put the presidential sash on him, as seen on state television.
10.01.2025, 17:19
SDA
His opponent and opposition candidate Edmundo González had also announced that he would return to his home country and also be sworn in as president of the South American country. However, an arrest warrant has been issued for him in Venezuela. He left for Spain at the beginning of September and applied for political asylum there.
After the presidential election in July, González claimed victory for himself. The USA, Canada and several Latin American countries recognize him as the winner of the election. US President-elect Donald Trump also referred to González as the "president-elect".
However, the electoral authority, which is loyal to the line, declared Maduro, who has been in power since 2013, the winner of the election. The European Union had not recognized his election victory. It is demanding the publication of the election documents, which the electoral authorities have still not complied with.
A large security contingent was assembled for the swearing-in of Maduro's third term in office. The armed forces have been mobilized on the streets of the capital Caracas to ensure that the ceremony goes smoothly. Several people have been arrested in recent days, according to the United Nations International Independent Commission of Inquiry. The government recently reported the arrest of more than 120 foreign nationals on suspicion of terrorism.
Violent protests before the swearing-in ceremony
One day before the swearing-in ceremony, thousands of people took to the streets in protest in Venezuela. Opposition leader María Corina Machado also appeared in public for the first time in months - and was celebrated enthusiastically in Caracas. Following the rally, she was reportedly briefly kidnapped and later released. Interior Minister Diosdado Cabello denied the incident.
