Maduro claims Musk paid USD1bn on rebellion attempt
Date
10/16/2024 5:18:42 AM
(MENAFN) Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro has leveled serious accusations against tech entrepreneur Elon Musk, alleging that he invested at least $1 billion to incite violence and undermine the electoral process in Venezuela following the July presidential elections. Maduro, who was declared the victor by national election authorities, faces accusations from the United States claiming that the election results were fraudulent, favoring opposition candidate Edmundo Gonzalez.
During a recent episode of his weekly television program, Maduro asserted that he possesses direct information regarding Musk's financial involvement in what he termed a “coup d'état” aimed at destabilizing his government. He described the alleged violence and unrest as a “fascist outbreak” targeting the electoral process in Venezuela. According to Maduro, the funds were allegedly funneled through his political rival, businesswoman Maria Corina Machado, whom he accused of distributing the money to various extremist groups.
These allegations come amid ongoing tensions between Maduro and Musk, who has publicly criticized the Venezuelan government. Following the controversial election, Musk accused Maduro of perpetrating “major election fraud,” while Maduro retaliated by labeling Musk as his “arch enemy,” claiming that Musk manipulates the virtual narrative through social media platforms. In a bizarre turn of events, the two had previously joked about settling their disputes in a physical confrontation, a fight that never materialized. Musk has even threatened to target Maduro’s iconic mustache “from space” in response to Maduro's remarks about potentially banning his social media platform, X, in Venezuela.
The accusations reflect not only the strained relationship between Maduro and Musk but also the broader geopolitical tensions involving Venezuela, the U.S., and international tech figures. As Venezuela grapples with a multifaceted crisis encompassing economic strife and political turmoil, these allegations highlight the complexities and often contentious nature of global influence in domestic affairs.
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