Elon Musk versus Nicolás Maduro, “arch enemies” from a distance

Nicolas Maduro against Elon MuskElon Musk vs. Nicolás Maduro. From a distance, the American billionaire and the president of Venezuela have dedicated themselves to criticizing each other, but with the political crisis of Venezuela exchanges have been exacerbated.

Billionaire, “ultra-capitalist,” supporter of Donald Trump… Elon Musk is everything that Nicolás Maduro claims to hate, and for several days he has been frequently mentioned in his speeches. Calling him “archenemy”, accuses Musk of orchestrating “attacks against Venezuela” and even of being behind the alleged “hacking” of which the National Electoral Council (CNE), of official line, claims to be a victim, having proclaimed Maduro the winner without giving the details of the voting.

On Tuesday, after a joint meeting of the State and Security Council In a meeting that brings together all the powers of the State and in particular the Armed Forces, considered the main support of his government, Maduro announced the creation of “a special commission to evaluate, with Russian and Chinese advice” the security system and, in particular, the attack that, according to his government, damaged the CNE communication system. “The attacks, I am sure, are directed by the power of Elon Musk,” said the leftist president surrounded by military personnel.

The opposition and international observers do not believe that the election was hacked and rather consider that it is a strategy to avoid the publication of the true results.

On Tuesday night, in front of hundreds of activists from his balcony, Maduro again attacked Musk. “Venezuela, as I have denounced yesterday and today, is facing a national and international aggression from world powers, and now it turns out that Elon Musk. Do you know who Elon Musk is? Now it turns out that he became obsessed with taking over Venezuela and governing Venezuela from outside.“, he claimed.

“He is largely responsible for the attacks and aggressions,” he said, referring to an “alliance of the global far right, the fascist far right, drug trafficking, Elon Musk and the imperialist government of the United States.” “But I remind you: anyone who messes with Venezuela dries up,” he concluded in a bombastic tone.

“Shame on the dictator.” Elon Musk regularly comments on Maduro’s policies on X. When asked about the criticism, a senior Venezuelan foreign ministry official said: “We know who Musk is. He is far-right and supports (Argentine President Javier) Milei… So we take all that as a compliment.”

Before the vote, Musk posted: “It’s time for the Venezuelan people to have the opportunity for a better future. Support Maria Corina!”, referring to the charismatic leader, protagonist of the opposition presidential campaign.

When the results were announced on Sunday, Musk wrote: “What a shame for the dictator Maduro”…”What a parody”, in reference to the figures announced by the CNE and considered by the opposition to be fraudulent.

The billionaire’s comments sparked Maduro’s anger: “He would like to come with his rockets and an army to invade Venezuela. Elon Musk, fortunately you showed your face because we knew you were behind everything! With your money, with your satellites.” “He wants to control the world, he already controls Argentina (…) “Do you want a fight, Elon Musk? I’m ready, I’m the son of (Simón) Bolívar and (Hugo) Chávez, I’m not afraid of you,” challenged the socialist leader who is heading for a third consecutive term that would add up to 18 years in power.

Posting the video of Maduro’s speech, Musk commented in Spanish: “The donkey knows more than Maduro” and then wrote again in Spanish: “Sorry for comparing the poor donkey to Maduro, it’s an insult to the animal world.”

Maduro, who often complains of censorship against him, declares himself victorious over the tycoon’s attacks and the “global far right.” “The people beat the bots and Elon Musk, we beat the bots and Elon Musk,” the president celebrated.