Venezuelan strongman Nicolás Maduro began a third term as president on Friday, cementing his increasingly authoritarian rule.

Venezuela’s president Nicolas Maduro was sworn in Friday for a third six-year term, shunned internationally over claims of election fraud and repression but bolstered by a loyal military.

Venezuela's President Nicolas Maduro, in office since 2013, is due to take the oath of office for a third term Friday despite a global outcry that brought thousands out in protest on the ceremony's eve.

Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro will be sworn in for a third six-year term after a reelection widely viewed as illegitimate and as his administration grows increasingly brazen in cracking down on its opponents.

Venezuela's President Nicolás Maduro was sworn in Friday for a third six-year term in office, dealing a blow to opposition's dream of change.

President Joe Biden is scheduled to meet Venezuelan opposition leader Edmundo González at the White House on Monday, according to a senior administration official. The meeting comes as the Biden administration recognized González as the nation's "president-elect" following Venezuela's disputed July elections.

The US has recognized Edmundo González as the rightful winner of Venezuela’s presidential election, but Washington’s approach to Caracas could shift under Donald Trump.

CARACAS, Venezuela (AP) — The Venezuelan opposition leader who claims to have defeated President Nicolás Maduro in last year’s presidential election met Monday with U.S. President Joe Biden just days ahead of Maduro’s contested inauguration to a third term.

With his challengers scattered and reeling, Venezuela’s Nicolás Maduro is set to be sworn in for a third six-year term on Friday, shrugging off international condemnation of a sham election and a brutal crackdown on dissent.

Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro was sworn in for a third six-year term Friday despite international condemnation of his recent reelection as illegitimate, as his administration grows increasingly brazen in cracking down on opponents.

Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro will be sworn in for a third six-year term Friday despite international condemnation of his recent reelection as illegitimate, as his administration grows increasingly brazen in cracking down on opponents.