Venezuela’s Maduro to Swear In Amid Protests and International Criticism
Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro is set to be sworn in for a third term despite widespread protests and international condemnation. Opposition leader Maria Corina Machado faced detention after leading demonstrations against Maduro. Colombia critiqued the harassment of Machado, while U.S. President-elect Trump supported her and the opposition. The situation reflects intensified repression and a turbulent political landscape in Venezuela as Maduro consolidates power.
Venezuela’s President Nicolas Maduro is set to take the oath of office for a third term on Friday, amidst widespread protests and international condemnation of his administration. The night prior to the ceremony witnessed significant demonstrations led by opposition leader Maria Corina Machado, who faced brief detainment after the rally. The Venezuelan government has denied claims of her arrest, despite scrutiny over its repression of dissent.
Colombia’s leftist President Gustavo Petro, typically an ally of Maduro, criticized the regime’s treatment of Machado, labeling it as “systematic harassment.” In response to what the Venezuelan government termed “an international conspiracy to disturb Venezuelans’ peace,” Freddy Bernal, the governor of Tachira, announced the closure of the border with Colombia, slated to reopen on Monday.
U.S. President-elect Donald Trump has expressed strong support for Machado and the opposition, branding them “freedom fighters” and advocating for their safety. This reflects ongoing international tensions regarding Maduro’s governance, with various countries condemning his actions. Reports indicate a renewed wave of repression, with multiple arrests of opposition figures and ongoing human rights violations.
Machado, addressing thousands in Caracas, declared, “We are not afraid,” highlighting the tenacity of dissent against Maduro’s regime despite government crackdowns. The ongoing protests include demonstrations abroad, showing the international reach of Venezuela’s political crisis. The United Nations has expressed grave concern over reports of arbitrary detentions and the use of violence against protesters, reflecting a dire situation ahead of Maduro’s inauguration.
The political climate in Venezuela has been tumultuous since Nicolas Maduro assumed the presidency in 2013 after the death of Hugo Chavez. Allegations of electoral fraud marred Maduro’s re-election in 2018, leading to international isolation and economic turmoil. The Venezuelan government’s crackdown on dissent has intensified, culminating in widespread protests and allegations of human rights abuses. International actors, including the United States and Colombia, have voiced strong opposition to Maduro’s regime, impacting diplomatic relations and regional stability.
The situation in Venezuela remains precarious as President Nicolas Maduro prepares for his swearing-in ceremony amidst protests and allegations of repression. The government’s heavy-handed tactics against the opposition and the international community’s condemnation underscore the ongoing struggle for democracy in the country. As global attention narrows in on Venezuela, the prospects for political change depend significantly on the resilience of opposition leaders and the international response to Maduro’s actions.
Original Source: www.lemonde.fr
