Venezuelan politics heat up as Maduro fires back at opposition claims: Video
Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro has vowed that his presidency "will never fall to imperialism" during a rally held at Miraflores, the federal government building.
Addressing thousands of supporters on December 10, Maduro responded to claims by exiled opposition leader Edmundo Gonzalez Urrutia, who stated he would be sworn in as president on January 10.
“They are tyrants, drooling, just like that fascist [Machado], who is now rebelling, foaming at the mouth, from the nostrils, from the ears. Full of envy, pettiness, and ambition,” Maduro said in a fiery speech.
He emphasised his resolve to remain in power, saying, “I swear to you by these four crosses that this presidential palace will never fall into the hands of a puppet of the oligarchy or imperialism; this palace is the palace of the people, now and forever.”
The speech comes amid ongoing political instability following the July 28 election, where Maduro was declared the winner—securing a third term in office.
Opposition leader Gonzalez Urrutia has alleged widespread election fraud and garnered support from members of the international community, many of whom have recognised him as the legitimate winner.
Maduro, however, has denied all allegations of fraud and maintains that the election results are valid.
In a recent move to consolidate power, Venezuela's parliament passed the "Liberator Simon Bolivar Act." The legislation imposes prison terms of up to 30 years for individuals who support or assist in international sanctions against Maduro’s government.
The law is viewed as a direct response to those promoting international measures targeting Maduro’s administration.
