Venezuelan President Maduro begins second term amid isolation
Venezuelan President Maduro officially began his second term on January 10 (Venezuela time). However, he has faced isolation from about 20 countries.
On the day of Maduro's inauguration on January 10, 17 Latin American countries, the United States and Canada denounced his government as illegitimate.
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| Venezuelan President Maduro (right) was inaugurated for his second term at the Supreme Court in Caracas on January 10. Photo: Reuters. |
Venezuelan President Maduro has denied the allegations and vowed to continue the legacy of the late President Hugo Chavez. He also accused the US of fomenting unrest through increasing economic sanctions.
President Maduro said that Venezuela is at the center of a global war launched by North American countries and their allies. “They are trying to turn a normal inauguration into a world war,” he said.
Among Latin American countries, Paraguay has decided to go a step further, cutting diplomatic ties with Venezuela. Meanwhile, Peru has recalled its ambassador to Caracas and banned 100 Maduro administration officials from entering the country.
Cuban President Miguel Diaz-Canel and Bolivian President Evo Morales were among the few foreign leaders to attend Maduro's inauguration at Venezuela's Supreme Court.
In May 2018, Mr. Maduro declared victory in the Venezuelan presidential election.
Mr Maduro, a former bus driver, became Venezuela's first leader after narrowly winning elections held after Mr Chavez's death in 2013.
President Maduro frequently accuses US President Donald Trump of waging economic war against Venezuela./.