CARACAS: Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro was sworn in for a new term on Friday, extending his term amid ongoing protests and condemnation from several international actors who have expressed concerns about the legitimacy of last year’s elections.
The ceremony, held at Caracas’ legislative palace, was heavily secured by law enforcement, who have remained a central force in Maduro’s administration since the contentious election.
Supporters, many wearing pro-Maduro outfits, gathered in nearby streets to show their support.
In his speech, Maduro drew parallels with the biblical figure David, saying efforts by his opponents, especially those backed by outside forces, to disrupt his inauguration represented a failed attempt to undermine Venezuela’s sovereignty.
He presented his successful inauguration as a significant triumph for national peace and independence.
“I was not appointed president by foreign powers,” Maduro said. “I come from the people and my power is rooted in their will and their history. To the people, I owe everything.
The festive atmosphere of the inauguration contrasted with the demonstrations that took place the day before, with hundreds of Venezuelans demonstrating against the president’s regime.
Opposition leader María Corina Machado, who was banned from holding office, joined the protest but was later reportedly arrested by security forces.
Machado later shared a video in which she described an encounter in which national guards fired on her convoy and forcibly removed her from a motorcycle, saying she was taken into custody. His driver was reportedly injured during the incident.
