Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro was sworn in for a third six-year term amidst international condemnation of his recent reelection as illegitimate. The inauguration took place in the heavily guarded legislative palace, with crowds of supporters gathered nearby.
U.S. President Joe Biden defended his decision not to impose tougher sanctions on Venezuela's energy sector, citing concerns about potential Iranian oil filling the gap. Despite sanctioning Maduro officials, the U.S. did not revoke Chevron's license to export Venezuelan oil, which has boosted oil production and state revenue.
Opposition leader Edmundo González declared himself the country's president-elect, urging the military not to follow Maduro's orders. Global leaders, including the G7 nations and Latin American countries, condemned Maduro's presidency as fraudulent and repressive.
Venezuela closed its borders with Brazil and Colombia, suspending air travel between the nations. Caracas remained paralyzed post-inauguration, with schools closed and businesses shuttered due to security concerns.
Opposition leader María Corina Machado accused Maduro of staging a coup, urging continued pressure against his regime. As Maduro reaffirmed control over the military, González remained absent in the Dominican Republic.
The Biden administration extended temporary protections for 600,000 Venezuelan refugees, while the U.K. and Canada imposed sanctions on Venezuelan officials. Maduro's inauguration lacked regional support, with few leaders attending.
Venezuelan opposition parties decried Maduro's inauguration as a coup against the people's will, vowing to resist his regime. The U.S. imposed new sanctions on Venezuelan officials and increased rewards for information leading to the capture of top officials.
In his speech, Maduro claimed compliance with the constitution, criticizing external powers for attacking Venezuela. The situation in Venezuela remains tense, with political divisions deepening and international pressure mounting.
