Who is Nicolás Maduro?

 

Nicolás Maduro is a Venezuelan politician who has been one of the most controversial leaders in Latin America over the past decade. Encyclopedia Britannica+1

🇻🇪 Who He Is

• Full name: Nicolás Maduro Moros

• Born: November 23, 1962 in Caracas, Venezuela. Encyclopedia Britannica

• He started his career as a bus driver and trade union leader before entering national politics. Wikipedia

🧑‍⚖️ Political Rise

• Maduro rose through Venezuela’s political system within the United Socialist Party of Venezuela (PSUV), the movement founded by Hugo Chávez. Encyclopedia Britannica

• He served as President of the National Assembly, Minister of Foreign Affairs, and Vice President under Chávez. Wikipedia

• When Hugo Chávez died in 2013, Maduro became president after winning a tightly contested election. Encyclopedia Britannica

🗳️ Presidency & Controversy

• President of Venezuela (2013–2026): Maduro has governed Venezuela for more than a decade. Wikipedia

• His leadership has been deeply polarizing. Supporters see him as a defender of Venezuelan sovereignty and social programs; critics and many international observers accuse him of authoritarianism, election fraud, human-rights abuses, and severe economic mismanagement. Wikipedia+1

• Under his rule, Venezuela has faced one of the worst economic crises in its history, with hyperinflation, shortages of basic goods, and millions of people emigrating. The Times of India

🌍 International Relations

• Many countries — including the United States and multiple European and Latin American states — question the legitimacy of some of Maduro’s elections and have imposed sanctions. Anadolu Ajansı

• For years, he has been a focal point of tensions with the U.S., which has accused him of corruption and involvement with drug trafficking — claims Maduro denies. Reuters

🆕 Recent Events (as of January 2026)

• In early January 2026, news outlets reported a U.S. military strike targeting Venezuela and claimed Maduro and his wife were captured and taken out of the country, marking a dramatic escalation in ongoing tensions — though the situation remains chaotic and developing. apnews.com

In short, Nicolás Maduro is a long-time Venezuelan leader whose tenure has shaped — and in many ways defined — the country’s politics and crisis in the 21st century. Encyclopedia Britannica