Maduro takes oath of office for third presidential term in Venezuela

Nicolás Maduro Moros has officially begun his third term as president of Venezuela.

Maduro took the oath of office in the country's parliament in Caracas, Caliber.Az reports, citing foreign media.

He was accompanied by First Lady Cilia Flores. During his new term, Maduro will serve as president until 2031. Maduro won the presidential election on July 28, 2024, securing 51.95 per cent of the vote. His main opponent, Edmundo González Urrutia, received 43.18 per cent of the votes.

Since the election, Gonzalez fled to Spain in September, his ally Maria Corina Machado went into hiding within Venezuela, and several prominent opposition figures and protesters were detained. Gonzalez, who has been touring the Americas this week, has stated that he intends to return to Venezuela and assume the presidency, though he has provided no specifics.

The government, which accuses the opposition of instigating fascist conspiracies, has warned that Gonzalez will be arrested upon his return and is offering a $100,000 reward for information leading to his capture.

By Naila Huseynova