Nicolás Maduro Begins Third Term Amid Controversy in Venezuela

CARACAS, Venezuela — Nicolás Maduro was sworn in for a third term as Venezuela’s president on January 10, 2025, following a contentious election marred by allegations of irregularities and international scrutiny. The inauguration comes after Maduro secured over 51% of the vote in the July 28, 2024, presidential election, a result disputed by opposition leaders and foreign governments.

The National Electoral Council (CNE) declared Maduro the winner without releasing detailed voting results by polling station, fueling accusations of a lack of transparency. Opposition figures, including María Corina Machado and González Urrutia, have denounced the election as fraudulent, while international observers called for a thorough review of the process. The United Nations has urged Venezuelan authorities to respect human rights and allow peaceful dissent.

Maduro, a former bus driver and union leader, rose to prominence under the mentorship of the late Hugo Chávez, Venezuela’s former president. After Chávez’s death in 2013, Maduro assumed the presidency and has since faced economic turmoil, mass emigration, and widespread protests. His re-election in 2024 was marked by low voter turnout and allegations of voter suppression.

In his inauguration speech, Maduro vowed to continue his socialist policies, stating, “The fascism in Venezuela, the land of Bolívar and Chávez, will not pass, not today, not ever.” He also accused foreign powers of attempting to destabilize his government through sanctions and other measures.

Despite Maduro’s claims of victory, Venezuela remains deeply divided. The country’s economy has contracted by approximately 75% since 2013, according to the Venezuelan Finance Observatory, and over 7 million citizens have fled the country due to economic hardship and political instability. The opposition has called for renewed protests, while Maduro’s government has intensified security measures, detaining over 2,000 individuals in the aftermath of the election.

As Maduro begins his new term, the international community continues to question the legitimacy of his government. The United States, European Union, and several Latin American nations have refused to recognize the election results, further isolating Venezuela on the global stage.