Nicolás Maduro Sworn in for Controversial Third Term Amid International Outrage

Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro was sworn in for a third term on January 10, 2025, despite widespread allegations of electoral fraud and international condemnation. His inauguration, which took place in Caracas, was characterized by low attendance, with notable absences from democratic leaders, including Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva and Colombian President Gustavo Petro.

The United States declared a $65 million bounty for the arrest of Maduro as well as two close allies, accusing them of drug trafficking. The U.S. and several other nations, including the UK and Canada, have rejected Maduro's claim to the presidency, asserting that the recent elections were neither free nor fair. Opposition leader Edmundo González, who has been recognized as president-elect by multiple nations, has argued that he was the true victor of the July election amid Venezuela's worsening economic crisis.

During a lengthy speech following his oath, Maduro referred to his presidency as a beacon of democracy, despite being criticized for increasingly authoritarian governance since his initial election in 2013. He disparaged his opponents as “fascists” and claimed that his power stems from the people, rather than foreign governments.

In response to the allegations and the geopolitical tensions resulting from the inauguration, the UK announced new sanctions targeting Maduro’s regime. International calls for a return to democracy in Venezuela have intensified, with opposition leaders urging protests against what they describe as Maduro's unconstitutional power grab.

Amid escalated tensions, González's backers decided against his return to Venezuela for an official inauguration, citing security concerns due to Maduro's military readiness. In the face of these challenges, opposition figures remain hopeful for a transition to democratic governance in the near future.