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Brazil Sends Ambassador Glivânia Oliveira to Maduro's Third Mandate Inauguration Amid Military Security

Jan 10, 2025, 11:29 AM

The Brazilian government, under President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva, has decided to send its ambassador in Caracas, Glivânia Oliveira, to attend the inauguration of Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro on Friday, January 10, 2025. This decision comes despite Brazil not officially recognizing Maduro's re-election due to the lack of transparency in the electoral process. The move to send the ambassador rather than a higher-ranking official, such as Lula himself, reflects Brazil's cautious approach to maintaining diplomatic relations with Venezuela, a significant neighbor in terms of territory, population, and shared borders. The Brazilian government's choice is seen as a pragmatic step to express dissatisfaction with the electoral process while keeping channels of communication open. The decision was made after reevaluating the ambassador's attendance following reports of the detention of opposition leader María Corina Machado, which raised concerns about the political climate in Venezuela. Maduro's third mandate for six years will be marked by a strong military security presence, amid protests led by opposition figures like Edmundo González. Celso Amorim, a special advisor to Lula, emphasized that Brazil is fulfilling its diplomatic ritual by sending the ambassador.