Venezuela’s Presidential inauguration: A power struggle
Venezuela is set to inaugurate a head of state on Friday, yet two men still claim to be the rightful president.
Incumbent Nicolás Maduro will attend a swearing-in ceremony on January 10, marking his third term, despite global disputes over his election victory.
His challenger, Edmundo González Urrutia, who has lived in exile since September, aims to return to Caracas by January 10.
Determined to take office, González faces the threat of arrest from Venezuelan authorities upon his return to the capital.
This power struggle raises significant questions about the future of Venezuela and its regional implications.
Both Maduro and González declared victory in the July 28 presidential election, leading to intense controversy and conflict.
Venezuela’s National Electoral Council, dominated by Maduro allies, declared him the winner without providing any voting tallies.
In contrast, the opposition released thousands of tallies, asserting that González won by a landslide, prompting international scrutiny.
Independent observers, including CNN, found the opposition’s tallies likely valid, leading several countries to recognize González as president-elect.
Following the election, thousands protested the results, demanding transparency while clashing with police, frustrated by another potential Maduro presidency.
In response, the government launched a crackdown on the opposition, arresting over two thousand individuals, including hundreds of minors.
Subsequently, the public prosecutor’s office issued an arrest warrant for González, forcing him to flee and prompting fellow leader María Corina Machado to hide.
González has vowed to return to Venezuela to form a new government and prevent another Maduro term from occurring.
Earlier this week, he urged the military to recognize him as commander-in-chief, calling for an end to Maduro’s leadership.
On inauguration day, González may attempt to enter Caracas with key supporters, including former Colombian President Andrés Pastrana.
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Pastrana revealed he and eight other ex-leaders plan to accompany González, although specific trip details remain undisclosed.
However, entering Venezuela poses risks, as Interior Minister Diosdado Cabello warned of arrests for González and any accompanying former presidents.
In response to Cabello’s threat, Pastrana stated, “If they don’t let us in, we’ll see each other on the way out. Very soon.”
Maduro, on the other hand, claims he has received an invitation from the National Assembly for the swearing-in ceremony on Friday.
He asserts the event will occur “in peace, in national unity, together with the people,” hinting at heavy security preparations.
In the days leading up to the inauguration, Venezuela arrested over 125 individuals, including foreigners accused of being “mercenaries.”
Additionally, the government integrated police and militias with the military, deploying troops nationwide to maintain order before the ceremony.
If Maduro takes office again, diplomatic relations with neighboring countries could further deteriorate, complicating regional dynamics.
Many countries in the region have already refused to recognize Maduro’s rule, siding with González instead.
Venezuela severed ties with nations questioning the election results, expelling some diplomatic staff in the process.
The inauguration is also expected to impact migration across the Americas, as many flee the country due to dire conditions.
Under Maduro’s presidency, approximately 8 million people have fled Venezuela, escaping unprecedented poverty and economic mismanagement.
