Nicolás Maduro Sworn in for Controversial Third Term Amid Global Outcry

Nicolás Maduro, the president of Venezuela, has officially sworn in for a controversial third term amid widespread accusations of election fraud. During the ceremony held in Caracas on January 10, 2025, Maduro faced outrage from the international community and domestic opposition, who claim he illegitimately retained power through a rigged electoral process.

Maduro, who has ruled Venezuela since 2013, boasted of a "great victory for Venezuelan democracy" despite the ceremony being boycotted by multiple democratic leaders, including Brazil's Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva and Colombia's Gustavo Petro. He failed to present evidence to support his claim of winning the election held on July 28, 2024. Allegations surfaced that his main opponent, Edmundo González, was the true victor as public discontent over Venezuela’s ongoing economic crisis intensified.

In response to Maduro's actions, the United States has announced a $65 million bounty for his arrest related to international drug trafficking charges. U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken, along with foreign officials from the UK and Canada, condemned Maduro's inauguration, asserting he has no legitimate claim to the presidency and calling his regime repressive and undemocratic.

As Maduro formalizes his power, opposition leaders, including María Corina Machado, have vowed to continue their push for democratic transition, indicating that they plan to strategize for future elections. Machado reported that González would delay his planned return to Venezuela for the inauguration citing security threats from Maduro's government.

Despite Maduro's declaration of moving towards a "democratizing revolution," global leaders and political commentators emphasize the need for reform and respect for democratic rights in Venezuela.