From Bus Driver to President: The Story Behind Maduro's Rise and Venezuela's Economic Collapse

Venezuelan leader Nicolás Maduro was apprehended by US forces on Saturday.

Maduro, who began his political career as a unionized bus driver, rose to prominence within Venezuela’s ruling party. He held various positions, including that of a lawmaker, the president of the National Assembly, and eventually ascended to the presidency.

Maduro’s tenure as president was characterized by a severe socio-political and economic crisis that plunged millions into poverty, triggered mass migration, and led to the incarceration of numerous government critics.

Despite these adversities, Maduro managed to retain power, surviving an assassination attempt in 2018 and securing a controversial victory in the presidential election the same year.

As per Fortune, his regime was under constant international scrutiny, with the Trump administration imposing economic sanctions and the International Criminal Court conducting an ongoing investigation into alleged crimes against humanity.

Maduro leveraged the talks to extract key concessions from Washington, securing the release of a close ally and a sanctions waiver that enabled Chevron to resume producing and exporting Venezuelan crude, moves that ultimately became a crucial source of revenue for his government.

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Maduro’s capture by U.S. forces marks a significant shift in Venezuela’s political landscape. U.S. Attorney General, Pam Bondi, has stated that Maduro and Flores will face charges following an indictment in New York, a development that comes after months of heightened U.S. pressure on Maduro’s regime.

The detention of Maduro could have far-reaching implications for Venezuela’s future. With Maduro’s regime under constant international pressure, his capture could potentially pave the way for a political transition in the country.

Furthermore, the charges that Maduro and his wife are set to face in New York could shed light on the allegations of human rights abuses and economic mismanagement that have been leveled against Maduro’s regime.

As the situation continues to unfold, the international community will be closely watching the developments in Venezuela and the potential impact on its socio-political landscape. For Maduro, it marked the start of his unraveling.

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