Nicolas Maduro was sworn in Friday for a third consecutive term as Venezuela's president, despite a disputed election and international calls for him to step down. Maduro's victory in the July 28 vote was not recognized by the opposition, which says its candidate, Edmundo Gonzalez, won the election.
The United States, accusing Maduro of drug trafficking, raised the reward for his capture to $25 million. Additional sanctions were also imposed on several senior Venezuelan officials, a move followed by Britain and the European Union.
Maduro, in his inauguration speech, denounced the sanctions as part of an "economic war" against Venezuela. In response, the opposition, including exiled Edmundo Gonzalez and Maria Corina Machado, vowed to continue challenging the regime.
The inauguration ceremony, marked by a heavy security presence, welcomed delegations from many allied countries, while the borders with Colombia were temporarily closed. Tensions remain high, as the Venezuelan government accuses its opponents of plotting with foreign powers to destabilize the country.
