Nicolás Maduro, who was sworn in this Friday as president of Venezuela for another six years despite public rejection, attempted to speak English during the inauguration ceremony and faced a barrage of criticism.
"How do you say in English the crown jewel, 'of Crown Yuwuol, of imperialism, The United States and Europe' (the crown jewel, the imperialism, The United State and Europe) –and he continued in Spanish but pretending to be an English speaker– 'they are defeated,' said Maduro."
"Not like that, Nicolás!" were some of the reactions on social media, where the video is circulating.
The writer Emmanuel Rincón described him in his X profile as "a wild animal trying to speak English."
Maduro was sworn in illegitimately for a third consecutive presidential term, in a ceremony rejected by much of the international community due to the lack of transparency and legitimacy in the electoral process held in late July 2024 in the South American nation.
Both his opponents and several foreign governments, including the United States, had urged Maduro not to assume office and to initiate a democratic transition following the disputed results of the July 28 elections.
The voting records submitted by the opposition declared the opposition candidate Edmundo González the winner by a wide margin, but the chavismo dismissed this evidence and proclaimed itself victorious, despite not presenting any records or evidence of its own.
This Thursday, the Venezuelan opposition leader María Corina Machado came out of hiding to participate in a protest in Caracas against electoral fraud.
However, as she was leaving the event, Machado was kidnapped by forces aligned with Nicolás Maduro's Chavista regime and was released shortly after.
In X, the opposition leader thanked Venezuelans yesterday for their participation in the protests, as the people showed "how to OVERCOME fear!"
"I have never felt so proud to be Venezuelan. Thank you, thank you, to all the citizens who took to the streets to reclaim our victory from July 28 and to COLLECT IT! My heart is with the Venezuelan who was shot when the regime's repressive forces detained me. I am now in a safe place and more determined than ever to stand with you UNTIL THE END!" she wrote.
On several occasions, Maduro has embarrassed himself trying to speak English. In 2020, he generated dozens of memes while attempting to pronounce the name of the rapper Kanye West (whom he referred to as "Kanny Wesk"), and in 2017, he sent a message in English to then-President of the USA, Donald Trump, which he probably still hasn't been able to decipher.
Frequently Asked Questions about the Political Situation in Venezuela and Criticisms of Nicolás Maduro
Why did Nicolás Maduro face criticism during his inauguration as president of Venezuela?
Nicolás Maduro received criticism for his failed attempt to speak English during his swearing-in, which sparked mockery on social media. Additionally, his inauguration was widely rejected by the international community, as it was deemed illegitimate due to the contested elections and lack of transparency.
What is the role of María Corina Machado in the Venezuelan opposition?
María Corina Machado is a key figure in the Venezuelan opposition, who has led protests and demonstrations against Nicolás Maduro's regime. She has been vocal in denouncing electoral fraud and human rights abuses, and has urged the international community to support a democratic transition in the country.
What evidence did the opposition present to challenge the elections in Venezuela?
The Venezuelan opposition, led by María Corina Machado, published voting records that, according to them, demonstrate that Edmundo González won the elections by a wide majority. These records have been verified by online users and have served as the basis for allegations of electoral fraud against the Maduro regime.
What has been the international response to the political situation in Venezuela?
The international community has shown divided support regarding the situation in Venezuela. While some countries have recognized Edmundo González as the legitimate president, others continue to support Nicolás Maduro. International pressure has intensified for the regime to accept a peaceful and democratic transition.
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