"Maduro defends the National Guard amid protests and accusations of fraud."

In the midst of a climate of tension and protests in Venezuela following the recent elections, President Nicolás Maduro has come forward to congratulate the National Guard for its "exemplary conduct." This recognition occurs in a context where his reelection, proclaimed by the National Electoral Council with 52% of the votes, has been the subject of controversy and accusations of fraud from the opposition. The protests against this proclamation have resulted in at least 11 civilian deaths, further fueling polarization in the country. During a commemorative event for the 87th anniversary of the National Guard, Maduro defended the work of this military body, describing it as the "backbone of peace" in Venezuela. In his statements, the president did not hold back on warlike terms, asserting that the country is facing an "imperialist coup." This combative discourse underscores Maduro's strategy of delegitimizing both the protests and the opposition, whom he accuses of serving foreign interests. Maduro's reelection has been endorsed by an electoral authority that, according to critics, operates under the influence of Chavismo. The opposition, led by figures such as Edmundo González Urrutia, who received 43% of the votes, has denounced the lack of transparency in the electoral process, claiming that the conditions were not adequate to ensure a fair election. These claims have been supported by reports from human rights organizations that have documented the repression of protesters and a high number of arrests. The context of violence has led to more than 2,000 arrests since the beginning of the protests, raising serious concerns about the human rights situation in the country. In this scenario, Maduro has not only expressed condolences for the deaths of two members of the National Guard but has also emphasized the need to maintain strong military-police control to "protect the people." International relations are also affected by the situation in Venezuela. In the last three electoral processes, numerous countries have chosen not to recognize Maduro's victory, questioning the legitimacy of his mandate. The international community has been divided, with some nations supporting Maduro's government, while others, particularly in the West, have backed the opposition. In this context, Maduro's strategy appears to focus on consolidating power through the militarization of public security and promoting a discourse that links the opposition to a supposed foreign plot. This not only allows him to justify repression but also strengthens support from his bases within the armed forces, a fundamental pillar for his continued stay in power. The protests, which exploit popular frustration over the economic and social situation in the country, have been treated by the government as destabilizing attempts. This translates into an intensive use of force to deter any manifestation. Maduro, in his statements, has made it clear that he is willing to take the necessary measures to "defend the revolution." Thus, while the country is mired in a political and humanitarian crisis, the future of both the opposition and Maduro's administration appears uncertain. The lack of effective dialogue and extreme polarization only feed a cycle of violence that could lead to greater instability in the nation. The international community, for its part, is closely watching the evolution of events in Venezuela, questioning Maduro's government's ability to maintain control without significant costs in terms of human rights and social stability. The current situation is undoubtedly a reflection of the internal tensions that have worn down Venezuelan society in recent years. As protests continue, it is crucial for political actors, both national and international, to seek a path toward the peaceful resolution of this crisis, which seems to be a monumental challenge in such a fractured landscape.