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Maduro takes office in Venezuela amidst sanctions and protests: a scenario of political and international crisis

Meloni: "unacceptable act of repression by the Maduro regime, whose proclaimed electoral victory we do not recognize". USA: "25 million dollars the bounty on Maduro's head"

Maduro takes office in Venezuela amidst sanctions and protests: a scenario of political and international crisis.

The inauguration of Nicolás Maduro for his third term as president of Venezuela, until 2031, has sparked a wave of controversy, protests and international condemnation. The ceremony, held in a climate of maximum security with closed borders and deployed missiles, represents the apex of a political crisis that involves not only the South American country but also the international community.

Contested elections and accusations of illegitimacy

The presidential elections held last July, in which Maduro was declared the winner, were heavily criticized both inside and outside Venezuela. The lack of transparency and the failure to publish evidence supporting Maduro's victory fueled suspicions of electoral fraud. The opposition, led by candidate Edmundo Gonzalez Urrutia, denounced Maduro's investiture as a "coup d'état".

This accusation has been joined by numerous Western and regional countries, which have refused to recognize the legitimacy of the new mandate. The sanctions and political statements, combined with the boycott of the ceremony at the Palace of Congress in Caracas, mark a clear diplomatic fracture.

The international reaction: sanctions and condemnations

The United States responded forcefully, raising the bounty on Maduro's head to $25 million and imposing new sanctions on eight senior Venezuelan officials. Those targeted include leaders of the military, police and major state-owned companies, including the oil and airline companies, both central to the Venezuelan economy.

The United Kingdom also adopted similar measures, targeting 15 individuals linked to the “illegitimate regime.” London reiterated its commitment to combating human rights violations and the subversion of democracy in Venezuela. The European Union, through High Representative Kaja Kallas, expressed firm condemnation, declaring that Maduro “does not have the legitimacy of a democratically elected president.” Italy, through Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, also stressed the need for a democratic and peaceful transition, reiterating its support for the Venezuelan people’s aspirations for freedom.

The President of the Council, Giorgia Meloni

“The news coming from Venezuela represents another unacceptable act of repression by the Maduro regime, whose proclaimed electoral victory we do not recognize. We intend to continue working for a democratic and peaceful transition. The legitimate aspirations of freedom and democracy of the Venezuelan people must finally be realized. The news coming from Venezuela represents another unacceptable act of repression by the Maduro regime, whose proclaimed electoral victory we do not recognize. We intend to continue working for a democratic and peaceful transition. The legitimate aspirations of freedom and democracy of the Venezuelan people must finally be realized”.

Maduro's speech: A vision for the future

Despite the tense climate, Maduro took the oath on an original copy of the Constitution signed by Hugo Chávez, reaffirming his commitment to the principles of the “Bolivarian Revolution.” In his inaugural speech, the president reiterated that “Venezuela cannot be colonized or dominated,” promising to defend the country’s sovereignty.

He also outlined an ambitious program called the “Seven Transformations Plan,” which includes:

  • A new national economic model: based on self-sufficiency, diversification and productivity.
  • Human and sustainable cities: to improve the quality of urban life.
  • Security and Peace: through the consolidation of defense mechanisms.
  • green economy: to promote environmental sustainability.
  • A multipolar and multicentric world: with Venezuela as a protagonist in the global geopolitical context, in collaboration with the BRICS countries.
Nicolas Maduro
Nicolas Maduro

The challenges for Venezuela

Maduro's new term begins under the weight of an unprecedented economic, social and political crisis. International isolation, sanctions and growing internal disillusionment represent significant obstacles for the president. Venezuela, once one of the richest countries in Latin America thanks to its oil reserves, is now in a situation of widespread poverty and instability.

The opposition, though fragmented, continues to demand radical change, supported by the international community. Meanwhile, protests in the Venezuelan streets and growing geopolitical tensions are further testing the Maduro regime's stability.

The inauguration of Nicolás Maduro is not just a domestic political event, but a chapter in a global drama involving human rights, democracy, and geopolitics. The future of Venezuela remains uncertain, and the international community will have to decide how to balance pressure on the regime with support for the population, who continue to fight for a better future.

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