The Blubber

The United States has raised its reward to $25 million (£20.4 million) for information leading to the arrest of Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro, coinciding with his inauguration for a controversial third six-year term.

The ceremony was clouded by criticism from the international community and opposition leaders in Venezuela.

The US also announced rewards for information leading to the arrest or conviction of other key Venezuelan officials, including $15 million for Defense Minister Vladimir Padrino and additional rewards targeting Interior Minister Diosdado Cabello.

The UK imposed sanctions on 15 senior Venezuelan officials, including judges, security personnel, and military leaders, accusing them of undermining democracy and committing human rights violations. Foreign Secretary David Lammy described Maduro’s administration as "fraudulent."

Similarly, the European Union extended "restrictive measures" against Venezuela, citing a lack of progress toward restoring democracy and the rule of law. The EU added 15 more officials to its sanctions list.

Canada joined in with its own round of sanctions. Foreign Minister Mélanie Joly condemned Maduro’s actions, stating that Canada "will not tolerate the erosion of democratic processes or the repression of citizens seeking to express their rights."

Maduro and his government have consistently dismissed these allegations from Western nations and the opposition. The heightened US reward stems from narcotics and corruption charges dating back to 2020 when Maduro and other Venezuelan officials were accused of "narco-terrorism" and flooding the US with cocaine to harm American society. Maduro has denied these accusations.

The US, which reimposed oil sanctions on Venezuela last year after a brief easing, argues the sanctions aim to pressure Maduro into holding free and fair elections. Maduro, however, blames the country’s economic collapse on these sanctions, which he has called illegitimate and imperialistic. His critics point instead to corruption and economic mismanagement.

In his inaugural address, Maduro vowed that his new term would be marked by peace and prosperity. "This new presidential term will be a period of peace, prosperity, equality, and the new democracy," he declared. "I swear by history, I swear by my life, and I will fulfill it."

The results of Venezuela's July presidential election, which declared Maduro the winner, were widely rejected by international actors, including the US, Brazil, and Colombia. Opposition candidate Edmundo González, recognized by many nations as the legitimate president-elect, fled to Spain in September. This month, González embarked on a diplomatic tour across the Americas to rally support. Meanwhile, Maduro’s government has issued an arrest warrant for González, offering $100,000 for information leading to his capture.

The inauguration itself was tightly controlled, with most Venezuelan media and foreign journalists barred from entry. International attendance was sparse, with only the presidents of Cuba and Nicaragua present. Despite Maduro’s claims of broad support, his government remains increasingly isolated on the world stage, relying on allies like Iran, China, and Russia.

On Friday, UN Secretary-General António Guterres called for the release of all individuals "arbitrarily detained" in Venezuela following the elections.