Political situation in Venezuela

Tense situation as Maduro sworn in: "I don't know if it will be good or bad"

Tensions are growing in Caracas as Nicolás Maduro is sworn in as president for the third time on Friday. Many Venezuelans are critical of the inauguration, while others show support for their president.

- I don't know if what is happening is good or bad, Caracas resident Mailin Rodriguez told AFP.

The opposition, led by exiled politician Edmundo Gonzalez Urrutia, is planning mass protests and demanding that the election results be annulled and an opposition victory be recognized.

At the same time, Maduro's supporters are mobilizing, and the government has reinforced security in the capital with thousands of heavily armed police and soldiers.

Opposition leader Maria Corina Machado, who has been in hiding, plans to participate in the protests.

- I am not going to miss this historic day, Machado told AFP.

Maduro: Two Americans among arrested “mercenaries”

Two American citizens have been arrested in Venezuela, according to President Nicolás Maduro, writes Reuters. They are said to be part of a group of seven people he describes as “mercenaries”.

Maduro claimed that the arrested Americans are “very high-ranking” but gave no further details or evidence for the allegations. The statement was broadcast on Venezuelan state television.

Maduro, who has ruled Venezuela since 2013, and is being sworn in for a third term on Friday, has repeatedly claimed that the United States tried to remove him from power.

After the election in July, several actors, including the EU, the United States and the United Nations, have questioned his victory and said that the election results were not reported in full.

Maduro: Two Americans among arrested “mercenaries”

Two American citizens have been arrested in Venezuela, according to President Nicolás Maduro, writes Reuters. They are said to be part of a group of seven people he describes as “mercenaries.”

Maduro claimed that the arrested Americans are “very high-ranking” but gave no further details or evidence for the allegations. The statement was broadcast on Venezuelan state television.

Maduro, who has ruled Venezuela since 2013 and is being sworn in for a third term on Friday, has repeatedly claimed that the United States is trying to remove him from power.

After the July election, several actors, including the EU, the United States and the United Nations, have questioned his victory and said that the election results were not fully reported.
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