Amid protests, Nicolás Maduro took the oath of office of Venezuelan president for the third time in a row
Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro has officially been sworn in for his third presidential term, despite widespread protests and a prolonged economic crisis that has gripped the country during his time in office. About this informs Associated Press.
The inauguration ceremony took place in the Palace of the Legislative Assembly of Venezuela, which was under the increased control of the security forces. Law enforcement has become a key support for Maduro since last summer’s controversial election. While supporters of the president gathered in the streets of Caracas to demonstrate in his support, numerous protesters came out calling for his third six-year term.
State television reported that 10 heads of state attended the inauguration, although most of the world’s governments questioned the election results and refused to attend the ceremony. Nicolás Maduro, who took over the country in March 2013 after the death of Hugo Chavez, will remain in office until at least 2031.
We will remind that earlier the USA, Canada, Great Britain and the European Union introduced new sanctions against more than 20 Venezuelan officials, accusing them of undermining democracy. This underscores Venezuela’s growing isolation on the international stage.
