Politics Venezuela's opposition protests against Maduro's re-election

One month after the presidential election in Venezuela, which was overshadowed by allegations of fraud, numerous opposition supporters have taken to the streets against the authoritarian government of President Nicolás Maduro. In the capital Caracas, they chanted "Freedom" and displayed banners reading "We are not the opposition - we are the government". Opponents of the government also demonstrated in other cities in the South American country and abroad against what they see as a manipulated election result.

"I know that the last 30 days have been hard, but they have also been proof of our unity and determination. With every day that passes, our voice grows louder and our fight stronger," wrote opposition presidential candidate Edmundo González Urrutia on X. "Venezuelans have opted for peaceful change and a better life, and we will ensure that their will is respected."

After the election on July 28, the electoral authority loyal to the government declared President Maduro, who has been in power since 2013, the winner. However, it has not yet published a breakdown of the results.

USA recognizes opposition victory

The opposition accuses the government of electoral fraud and claims victory for its candidate González. The USA and several Latin American countries have already recognized the election victory of the ex-diplomat. The European Union and the Organization of American States also doubt the official election result.

Maduro's re-election in 2018 had already not been recognized internationally by many countries. Juan Guaidó, then president of parliament, declared himself interim president in 2019, but was unable to assert himself in the country - mainly because the military backed Maduro. This allowed him to simply sit out the protests at the time.