Skip to content

Freeland says Venezuela’s Maduro is now a dictator after illegitimate win

Venezuela’s political and economic crisis has forced three million people to flee the country
15092117_web1_180920-CPW-freeland
Canadian Foreign Affairs Minister Chrystia Freeland (AP Photo/Alex Brandon)

Foreign Affairs Minister Chrystia Freeland says today’s inauguration of Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro has entrenched him as a dictator.

Freeland’s remarks align Canada with the international community in condemning Maduro’s recent election victory as fraudulent and illegitimate.

She says the suffering of Venezuela’s people will only get worse the longer he is in power.

READ MORE: Trump vilifies caravan, says he’ll cut Central American aid

Canada has downgraded diplomatic relations with Venezuela and imposed sanctions on 70 officials in the regime.

Venezuela’s political and economic crisis has forced three million people to flee the country in search of food, health care and other basic services since 2015.

READ MORE: Oil producers from around the world join forces and cut production again

Canada has provided $2.2 million in humanitarian assistance to Venezuela and is a member of the Lima Group of countries that is trying to bring international pressure to bear on the South American country.

The Canadian Press

Like us on Facebook and follow us on Twitter.