Maduro's rule: economic collapse, brutal repression and political survival

Nicolás Maduro presided over Venezuela's descent from an oil-rich state to economic ruin, a collapse that drove about seven million people to flee the country. His presidency was marked by striking public displays—dancing and boastful rhetoric, including a remark that he was "bigger than Taylor Swift"—even as the economy crumbled.

Unable to match the charisma of Hugo Chávez, Maduro leaned on the security services, with reports of disappearances, persecution and deadly repression to maintain control. After losing a parliamentary majority in 2015, he refused to cede power. Widespread protests in 2017 left more than 100 dead, and opposition groups say thousands were killed by the secret police and in jails.

U.S. sanctions imposed after 2016 further damaged the economy. Opposition leader Juan Guaidó declared Maduro illegitimate and briefly attempted to unseat him, but the coup effort failed and Maduro remained in power. The international context shifted after Russia's invasion of Ukraine in 2022, prompting the West to turn to Venezuelan oil and easing Maduro's global isolation.

Observers said the 2024 elections involved major fraud as Maduro again refused to concede when the opposition was widely seen to have won decisively. Following his re-election, Donald Trump labelled Maduro a narco-terrorist, reimposed pressure with sanctions and a large naval deployment—actions intended to foment internal dissent against the regime.

Key Topics

Politics, Nicolas Maduro, Venezuela, Hugo Chavez, Juan Guaido, Donald Trump