Sat Jan 11 01:20:24 UTC 2025: ## Maduro Sworn In Amid International Condemnation and Protests

**CARACAS, Venezuela (January 11, 2025)** – Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro was sworn in for a new six-year term on Friday, January 10th, despite widespread international condemnation and ongoing protests. His inauguration ceremony, held at the heavily guarded legislative palace, was met with demonstrations both for and against his rule.

Maduro, in a defiant speech, accused the United States and his opponents of attempting to orchestrate a “world war” to prevent his assumption of power. He claimed his victory stemmed from the Venezuelan people, rejecting accusations of electoral fraud.

However, the opposition vehemently disputes Maduro’s claim to victory. Evidence gathered from 85% of electronic voting machines allegedly shows that his opponent, Edmundo González, won by a significant margin. International election observers have also cast doubt on the legitimacy of the election results.

The opposition leader, María Corina Machado, who had been in hiding, participated in a protest on Thursday and reported being briefly detained and forced to record a video denying her detention by security forces. Maduro’s government dismissed her claims as “fake news”.

In response to Maduro’s inauguration, the U.S., Canada, the U.K., and the European Union announced new sanctions targeting over 20 Venezuelan officials accused of undermining democracy. The U.S. also extended temporary protected status for 600,000 Venezuelan migrants and increased the reward for Maduro’s arrest on drug trafficking charges.

González, who fled to Spain in September, thanked international supporters for their condemnation of Maduro’s actions and declared Maduro a dictator, vowing to return to Venezuela when it is safe. He also reported that his son-in-law was kidnapped in Caracas.

The inauguration was attended by a small number of heads of state, underscoring Maduro’s growing international isolation. The contrast between the jubilant pro-Maduro crowds and the ongoing protests highlights the deep political divisions within Venezuela.

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