"Regrettable," says Alckmin about Maduro's inauguration in Venezuela

247 - Vice President Geraldo Alckmin described Nicolás Maduro's inauguration as president of Venezuela this Friday (10) as "regrettable." Alckmin also criticized "dictatorships" and strongly defended democratic values.

"Regrettable, but Brazil did not recognize the elections. Democracy is a civilizing force and must be strengthened; dictatorships suppress freedom," Alckmin told journalists after Maduro was sworn in for a new presidential term, according to CNN Brazil.

Maduro took office this Friday as president of Venezuela for the 2025–2031 term. He took the oath on the country’s constitution at the National Assembly.

In an electoral process contested by Brazil, Venezuelans voted for president on July 28 of last year. Maduro was declared the winner with over 51% of the votes by the country's judicial authorities.

However, the opposition claimed a landslide victory, citing election reports received from polling stations across the country. This led to massive protests by opposition groups. Since then, thousands of people have been arrested on charges of damaging state infrastructure, inciting hatred, and terrorism.