Venezuela's Maduro sworn in to second term, proposes pardon for violent protesters

World
Europe

Venezuela's President Nicolas Maduro, who was sworn in to a second term on Thursday, proposed a pardon for political protesters serving jail sentences for violence.

After taking the oath of office, Maduro announced a six-point plan of action for his second term, the first aimed at promoting dialogue and reconciliation between the ruling United Socialist Party of Venezuela (PSUV) and its political opponents, who boycotted the May 20 elections.

Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro (L) is sworn in before Constituent Assembly president Delcy Rodriguez during the inauguration ceremony, in Caracas, May 24, 2018. /VCG Photo

"I am announcing an expansive policy of reunion and pacification so that the perpetrators of violence can join the political struggle without weapons and without violence," Maduro told the National Constituent Assembly (ANC), where he was sworn in.

"Let these people be released as part of a process of reconciliation," said Maduro.

The second line of action addresses the country's economic crisis, calling for "a productive economic accord to achieve economic stability and increasingly sustained recovery."

To promote the second point, Maduro met with state governors to identify ways to increase food production, and create an efficient means of distributing, selling and determining the price of produce.

Confetti falls as supporters of Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro celebrate his re-election in Caracas, Venezuela, May 20, 2018. /VCG Photo

"On Friday, all of the governors are going to give me their written proposals," said Maduro.

The third main goal of his second term will be to launch "a renewed, head-on fight against all types of corruption," said the president.

Maduro also proposed to "strengthen and expand" social programs, including state-funded public education and housing; to protect Venezuela from "the onslaught of imperialism" and US sanctions; and to continue to develop Venezuelan socialism with Christian and Bolivarian characteristics.

A man holds a newspaper referring to the victory of re-elected President Nicolas Maduro in the Venezuelan presidential election in Caracas, May 21, 2018. /VCG Photo

Maduro won re-election to a second term, which will conclude in 2025, by garnering over six million votes, some four million more than his next closest rival.

Source(s): Xinhua News Agency