As Venezuela approaches the inauguration of its new president on January 20, 2025, the political landscape remains tumultuous, with both Nicolás Maduro and Edmundo González Urrutia claiming the presidency. Maduro, who has been in power since 2013, asserts he won the July 28, 2024 election with 51.95% of the vote. In contrast, González, backed by informal tallies suggesting he received between 55% and 75% support, was recognized as the president-elect by the United States on November 19, 2024, and by the European Union on September 19, 2024 [a3f32cdb].
The situation escalated following the election, which led to widespread protests and violence, resulting in 27 deaths and over 2,400 arrests. Amidst this unrest, Maduro's government has faced international scrutiny, leading to the imposition of sanctions on 21 Venezuelan officials on November 27, 2024 [34b7b9ee]. Maduro has publicly warned of potential US military intervention, a concern rooted in the historical context of US involvement in Venezuela since the 2002 coup against Hugo Chávez [a3f32cdb].
Despite the sanctions, Maduro's administration has allocated 78% of its budget to social programs, attempting to maintain support among the populace. However, both González and opposition leader MarĂa Corina Machado reportedly lack significant popular backing, complicating the political dynamics further [a3f32cdb].
The release of over 100 political prisoners in November 2024, following protests against the election results, reflects the ongoing struggle for political freedom in Venezuela. This release was part of a broader response to international pressure regarding human rights violations, as the government seeks to navigate the complex political landscape [34b7b9ee]. As the inauguration date approaches, the dual claims to the presidency and the potential for US intervention continue to shape the narrative of Venezuela's political crisis [a3f32cdb].