Nicolás Maduro was inaugurated for a third term as Venezuela’s president amid allegations of electoral fraud and international condemnation. Despite claiming 52% of the vote, opposition groups dispute the legitimacy of the election outcome, leading to protests and arrests. Germany, the EU, and the USA have refused to recognize Maduro’s victory, imposing sanctions on Venezuelan officials. The US has increased rewards for information on Maduro and his interior minister, while Canada and the UK have also announced sanctions against his regime.
Despite limited recognition of his election win, Nicolás Maduro has been inaugurated for a third term as Venezuela’s president. This event has prompted a series of sanctions and stern warnings from various nations.
In a ceremony held in Caracas, Nicolás Maduro was sworn in for another six-year term, amidst allegations of electoral fraud from opposition groups and widespread international condemnation. During the event, he pledged to lead a term characterized by peace and stability.
Among the dignitaries present were Cuban President Miguel Díaz-Canel and several of Maduro’s ministers. Security forces cordoned off central Caracas, while state television broadcast images of Maduro supporters celebrating in the streets. Earlier, opposition leader María Corina Machado faced brief detention amid protests.
International Protests from Germany, the EU, and the USA
Having been in power since 2013, Maduro reportedly secured 52 percent of the vote in the recent presidential election, according to official sources. However, the opposition claims electoral fraud, with their candidate Edmundo González Urrutia also asserting his claim to the presidency. The aftermath of the election saw violent protests and many arrests.
Germany, the European Union, and the USA have all refused to recognize Maduro as the legitimate victor of the election. The German Foreign Office stated on platform X that “Without the publication of the election documents, Nicolás Maduro is not a legitimately democratically elected president.” They urged the Venezuelan government to uphold human rights and foster a dialogue for democratic transition.
EU foreign affairs chief Kaja Kallas echoed this sentiment, asserting that Maduro lacks democratic legitimacy and that the EU stands in solidarity with those advocating for democratic principles in Venezuela.
Additionally, UN Secretary-General António Guterres called on Venezuelan authorities to release all individuals arbitrarily detained since the contested elections in July, highlighting the plight of opposition members, journalists, and human rights advocates. The European Union has also reiterated its non-recognition of Maduro’s electoral victory.
Sanctions Imposed by the USA
Following Maduro’s swearing-in, the United States government swiftly enacted new sanctions targeting high-ranking officials in Venezuela. Among those sanctioned are Héctor Obregón Pérez, president of the state oil company PDVSA, and Ramón Celestino Velasquez Araguayan, president of the state airline Conviasa, as reported by the US Treasury Department. Sanctions were also applied to senior military and police officials.
Acting Under Secretary of the Treasury for Terrorism and Financial Intelligence, Bradley T. Smith, stated that “Since last year’s election, Maduro and his associates have continued their oppressive actions in Venezuela.”
The USA and its allies have called on Maduro to commit to a democratic transition post-election. The US State Department has also increased rewards to up to 25 million US dollars for information leading to the arrest or conviction of Maduro and his interior minister, Diosdado Cabello.
As Maduro takes the oath of office once more, the implications of his controversial rule continue to unfold.
Additional Sanctions from Other Nations
Canada, the United Kingdom, and the European Union have joined the USA in announcing sanctions against Maduro’s regime. The United Kingdom has targeted 15 individuals linked to Maduro, including military personnel and judicial officials. Meanwhile, EU member states have expanded their sanctions to include 15 additional members of Venezuela’s electoral authority, judiciary, and security forces.