Maduro addressed the crowd after participating in a march, accusing the US of persecuting Venezuelan youth and threatening invasion, according to his remarks.

He also swore in new members of the ruling party’s youth wing, emphasizing unity and resistance against what he called imperialist aggression.

The event came a day after Maduro announced the creation of the 4 000th commune, part of a government push to expand grassroots organisations and finance local projects.

The government plans to hold a national consultation on November 23, where citizens will vote on community projects to be funded and implemented.

The consultation is part of a broader effort to strengthen what Maduro calls “popular power” and the socialist model initiated by his predecessor, Hugo Chavez.

–SABC–