On Jan. 10, 2025, Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro took power for another six years. Outrage sparked at his victory and opposition leaders Edmundo González and María Corina Machado denounced this past Friday’s swearing-in as a coup.
The National Electoral Council announced Maduro as the winner without releasing the vote tally sheets, leading to disapproval from international forces.
González met with President Joe Biden at the White House and Argentinian President Javier Milei at the Casa Rosada, both of whom recognized him as the true president-elect. González fled the country due to a government-issued bounty and threat of arrest.
Maduro attended the International Anti-Fascist World Festival on Jan. 11, and stated in his closing speech that Venezuela is preparing alongside his allies to fight for “democracy.”
“Venezuela is getting ready with Cuba and Nicaragua, together with our older brothers of the world, for if one day we have to take up arms to defend the right to peace.”
Maduro added that this fight would be by any means necessary.
“If it is by fair means, by fair means, we will move forward, and if it is by foul means, by foul means, we will also defeat them.”
Translations by author.
