Editorial: El País

• Venezuela is heading towards an institutional clash with global consequences.
• The next president will assume office from 10th January, intensifying tensions between Chavismo and the opposition.
• President Nicolás Maduro insists on inaugurating a new term without evidence of vote results and without international recognition.
• There are suspicions of fraud by the incumbent president that could deepen political conflict in Venezuela.
• Despite the economic and political crisis, Chavismo maintains total control of the state.
• The response of Latin America will be crucial in coming months, with the dilemma of how to respond to Maduro's swearing in.
• There is a tense calm in Venezuela that anticipates an escalation of the political dispute.

Conclusion: The government should refrain from pursuing its rivals, free political prisoners, and not resort to violence in response to protests.

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