Nicolás Maduro Sworn in for Third Term

Nicolás Maduro has officially begun his third term as President of Venezuela amidst significant domestic and international opposition, following a heavily disputed election. While Maduro claims his reelection reflects the will of the Venezuelan people, opposition leader Edmundo González, currently in exile, asserts he won the election and has declared himself president. The inauguration was attended by representatives from allied nations like Russia and China, while Western countries, including the US and EU, imposed new sanctions on Maduro's government, labeling the election a sham. Reports indicate that security was heavily reinforced during the ceremony, reflecting Maduro's increasingly isolated status. The opposition has vowed to continue its fight for democratic governance, with protests erupting in response to the inauguration. The political landscape in Venezuela remains polarized, with Maduro's leadership facing mounting scrutiny and allegations of electoral fraud.