In a dramatic escalation of tensions between Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro and American billionaire Elon Musk, Maduro has ordered a ten-day block of the social network X, formerly known as Twitter.
A Vocal Critic of Maduro
According to El Economista the Venezuelan leader accuses the platform of "inciting hatred" and violating "all the laws" of Venezuela, highlighting the growing friction between the two prominent figures.
The confrontation began intensifying following Venezuela's national elections, which faced widespread scrutiny and criticism, including from Musk, who is renowned for his outspoken views and ownership of companies like Tesla.
Musk has been a vocal critic of the election results, further straining relations with Maduro.
The dispute between Maduro and Musk took a peculiar turn when the two publicly agreed to a bet: if Musk won, Maduro would resign from the presidency; if not, Musk would offer him a trip to Mars.
While this bet appears to have fizzled, the animosity between them has persisted, manifesting in a heated exchange of messages and tweets.
Musk Has Violated Rules
Maduro's recent decision to block X stems from his claim that the platform has breached its own rules by promoting divisive content and fostering discord among Venezuelans.
At a recent event celebrating his re-election, Maduro announced the temporary suspension of the social network in Venezuela, insisting it was necessary to enforce the country’s laws.
Maduro's rhetoric was sharp and direct: "Musk is the owner of X, and he has violated all the rules of the social network, inciting hatred, civil war, death, and confrontation among Venezuelans." He further rallied his supporters with chants demanding Musk's removal from the platform.
Despite the blockade, Musk has continued to wield influence on X, having reportedly unblocked himself to directly address Maduro and further engage in the ongoing dispute. The situation underscores the contentious relationship between global figures and the impact of social media in international politics.
