History of Nicolás Maduro in Timeline
Nicolás Maduro is a Venezuelan politician who has served as the 53rd president of Venezuela since 2013. Prior to his presidency, Maduro held several prominent political positions, including Vice President (2012-2013), Minister of Foreign Affairs (2006-2012), and President of the National Assembly (2005-2006). His political career began as a union leader before transitioning into government roles.
3 hours ago : Trump Aides Advocate for Maduro's Ousting Amidst Venezuelan Political Turmoil and Criticism.
Top Trump aides are reportedly pushing for the ousting of Nicolás Maduro, Venezuela’s leader, amidst what is described as a path to annihilation. Maduro's leadership faces increasing scrutiny and opposition, potentially escalating the existing political crisis.
November 1962: Maduro's Alleged Birth
In November 1962, according to a Supreme Tribunal of Justice ruling from 2016, Nicolás Maduro was born in Caracas, in the parish of La Candelaria.
1983: Bodyguard for José Vicente Rangel
In 1983, Nicolás Maduro was employed as a bodyguard for José Vicente Rangel during Rangel's unsuccessful presidential campaign.
1986: Resided in Havana and attended political education
In 1986, at 24 years of age, Nicolás Maduro resided in Havana with other militants of leftist organizations, attending a one-year course at the Escuela Nacional de Cuadros Julio Antonio Mella.
April 1989: Death of Nicolás Maduro García
In April 1989, Nicolás Maduro's father, Nicolás Maduro García, who was a prominent trade union leader, died in a motor vehicle accident.
1992: Accusation of Links to Venezuelan Coup
Following Maduro's detention in September 2006, President Chávez stated that the authorities detained Maduro over his links to the Venezuelan failed coup in 1992.
1992: Flores as Chávez's Lawyer
In 1992, Cilia Flores was Hugo Chávez's lawyer following the Venezuelan coup d'état attempts, where Maduro and Flores started a romantic relationship.
1992: Joined MBR-200 and Campaigned for Chávez's Release
In the early 1990s, Nicolás Maduro joined MBR-200 and campaigned for the release of Chávez when he was jailed for his role in the 1992 Venezuelan coup d'état attempts.
1998: Elected to the Venezuelan Chamber of Deputies
In 1998, Nicolás Maduro was elected on the MVR ticket to the Venezuelan Chamber of Deputies.
1998: Instrumental in Founding Movement of the Fifth Republic
In the late 1990s, Nicolás Maduro was instrumental in founding the Movement of the Fifth Republic, which supported Chávez in his run for president in 1998.
1999: Elected to the National Constituent Assembly
In 1999, Nicolás Maduro was elected to the National Constituent Assembly.
2000: Elected to the National Assembly
In 2000, Nicolás Maduro was elected to the National Assembly, representing the Capital District.
2002: 10th anniversary of the 2002 Venezuelan coup d'état attempt
During a tenth anniversary gathering commemorating the 2002 Venezuelan coup d'état attempt going into the 2012 Venezuelan presidential election, Maduro called opposition members "snobs" and "little faggots."
2005: President of the National Assembly
From 2005 to 2006, Nicolás Maduro served as President of the National Assembly.
2005: Elected as Speaker of the National Assembly
In 2005, Nicolás Maduro was elected as Speaker of the National Assembly.
2005: Visit to Sathya Sai Baba
Nicolás Maduro visited Indian Hindu guru Sathya Sai Baba in India in 2005.
August 2006: Cilia Flores replaces Maduro as president of the National Assembly
In August 2006, Cilia Flores, lawyer and politician replaced Nicolás Maduro as president of the National Assembly when he resigned to become Minister of Foreign Affairs.
September 2006: Brief Detention at JFK Airport
In September 2006, Nicolás Maduro was briefly detained by Homeland Security officers at John F. Kennedy International Airport for around 90 minutes after paying for airline tickets in cash.
2006: Minister of Foreign Affairs
From 2006 to 2012, Nicolás Maduro served as Minister of Foreign Affairs under Hugo Chávez.
2006: Served as Speaker of the National Assembly
Until 2006, Nicolás Maduro served as Speaker of the National Assembly.
2007: Luisa Ortega became Chief Prosecutor of Venezuela
Luisa Ortega Díaz served as the Chief Prosecutor of Venezuela from 2007 until August 2017.
2010: Foreign policy decisions
In 2010 during Nicolás Maduro's term, there was another turn around in relations with Colombia.
October 2012: Appointed Vice President of Venezuela
In October 2012, Nicolás Maduro was appointed Vice President of Venezuela after the presidential elections.
October 2012: Appointed Vice President
On 13 October 2012, Hugo Chávez appointed Nicolás Maduro as Vice President of Venezuela, shortly after Chávez's victory in that month's presidential election.
December 2012: Chávez Announced Maduro as Successor
On 8 December 2012, Hugo Chávez announced that his recurring cancer had returned and that, should his condition worsen and a new presidential election be called, Venezuelans should vote for Nicolás Maduro to succeed him.
2012: 10th anniversary of the 2002 Venezuelan coup d'état attempt
During a tenth anniversary gathering commemorating the 2002 Venezuelan coup d'état attempt going into the 2012 Venezuelan presidential election, Maduro called opposition members "snobs" and "little faggots."
2012: Vice President
From 2012 to 2013, Nicolás Maduro served as Vice President under Hugo Chávez.
2012: Became Vice President of Venezuela
In 2012, Nicolás Maduro became the 24th vice president of Venezuela.
2012: Reported Follower of Sathya Sai Baba
In 2012, it was reported by the New York Times that Nicolás Maduro was a follower of Indian Hindu guru Sathya Sai Baba and had visited him in India in 2005.
March 2013: Assumed the Presidency After Chávez's Death
In March 2013, after Hugo Chávez's death was announced, Nicolás Maduro assumed the presidency of Venezuela.
March 2013: Assumed Presidential Powers
In March 2013, upon the death of Hugo Chávez, Nicolás Maduro assumed the powers and responsibilities of the president of Venezuela.
April 2013: Maduro Elected President
In April 2013, Nicolás Maduro was elected president of Venezuela, narrowly defeating opposition candidate Henrique Capriles. The election results were contested, with Capriles demanding a recount.
June 2013: Conflicting Birthplace Claims by Maduro and Allies
In June 2013, two months after assuming the presidency, Maduro claimed in a press conference in Rome that he was born in Caracas, in Los Chaguaramos, in San Pedro Parish. During an interview with a Spanish journalist, also in June 2013, Elías Jaua claimed that Maduro was born in El Valle parish, in the Libertador Municipality of Caracas.
July 2013: Marriage to Cilia Flores
In July 2013, Nicolás Maduro married Cilia Flores, a lawyer and politician, after being in a romantic relationship since the 1990s.
October 2013: Maduro's approval rating between 45% and 50%.
In October 2013, Maduro's approval rating stood between 45% and 50%, possibly due to Hugo Chávez's endorsement.
October 2013: Creation of Vice Ministry of Supreme Happiness
In October 2013, Nicolás Maduro announced the creation of the Vice Ministry of Supreme Happiness to coordinate social programs in Venezuela.
October 2013: Tibisay Lucena's Claim on Maduro's Birthplace
In October 2013, Tibisay Lucena, head of the National Electoral Council, asserted on the Globovisión TV show Vladimir a la 1 that Maduro was born in La Candelaria Parish in Caracas, showing copies of the registry presentation book of all the newborns the day when allegedly Maduro was born.
November 2013: Maduro Granted Power to Rule by Decree
Beginning six months after being elected, from 19 November 2013 to 19 November 2014, Maduro was granted the power to rule by decree by the pre-2015 Venezuelan legislature to address the ongoing economic crisis.
2013: Venezuela dropped in the Press Freedom Index
Between 2013 and 2023 Venezuela dropped 42 places in the Press Freedom Index.
2013: Anti-gay attacks during presidential campaign
During the presidential campaign of 2013, Maduro used anti-gay attacks as a political weapon, calling representatives of the opposition "faggots".
2013: Succession to the presidency
In 2013 Nicolas Maduro's succession to the presidency was due to mechanisms established by Chavez.
2013: Odebrecht executive reveals funding of Maduro's campaign.
In 2013, Euzenando Prazeres de Azevedo, president of Constructora Odebrecht in Venezuela, revealed that Odebrecht paid $35 million to fund Maduro's 2013 presidential campaign in exchange for prioritized projects in Venezuela. Maduro's campaign manager, Americo Mata, initially asked for $50 million, but the final sum was settled at $35 million.
2013: Became President of Venezuela
In 2013, Nicolás Maduro became the 53rd president of Venezuela.
2013: Media outlet shutdowns
In 2013, Nicolás Maduro's first tenure began, marking the start of the shutdown of 115 media outlets, including 41 print outlets, 65 radio outlets and 9 television channels.
2013: Questions Arise Regarding Maduro's Nationality
In 2013, questions arose regarding Nicolás Maduro's birthplace and nationality. Doubts were cast on whether he could hold the office of the presidency, given Article 227 of the Venezuelan constitution. After his triumph in the 2013 presidential elections, opposition deputies warned that they would investigate the double nationality of Maduro.
2013: Evidence about the presumed non-existence of ineligibility conditions of Maduro
In 2013, the Supreme Tribunal of Justice of Venezuela in exile decreed the nullity of the 2013 presidential elections after lawyer Enrique Aristeguieta Gramcko presented evidence about the presumed non-existence of ineligibility conditions of Maduro to be elected and to hold the office of the presidency
2013: Possible assistance for Maduro's campaign
In November 2016, Efraín Antonio Campo Flores and Francisco Flores de Freitas, two nephews of Maduro's wife, were found guilty in a US court of conspiracy to import cocaine, with some of their funds possibly assisting Maduro's presidential campaign in the 2013 Venezuelan presidential election.
2013: Jewish Ancestry Claim
In a 2013 interview, Nicolás Maduro stated that his grandparents were Jewish and converted to Catholicism in Venezuela.
2013: Decline in World Press Freedom Index
Since 2013, Venezuela's rank on the World Press Freedom Index of Reporters Without Borders has dropped 42 places.
2013: PROVEA reports on violations of personal integrity
Since Maduro took office in 2013, the Venezuelan human rights organization PROVEA has identified more than 43,000 people whose "right to personal integrity" has been violated.
2013: Accusations of Authoritarian Leadership Begin
Since taking office in 2013, Nicolás Maduro has been accused of authoritarian leadership.
February 2014: Venezuela situation referred to ICC
On 27 September 2018, six states parties to the Rome Statute referred the situation in Venezuela since 12 February 2014 to the ICC, requesting the Prosecutor Fatou Bensouda to initiate an investigation on crimes against humanity allegedly committed in the territory.
October 2014: Maduro's approval rating at 24.5%.
In October 2014, Maduro's approval rating dropped to 24.5%, according to pollster Datanálisis.
November 2014: Polls indicate majority of Venezuelans believe Maduro should not finish term.
In November 2014, Datanálisis polls indicated that more than 66% of Venezuelans believed that Maduro should not finish his six-year term, with government supporters representing more than 25% of those who wanted him to resign.
November 2014: End of First Decree Power Period
On 19 November 2014, the period in which Maduro was granted power to rule by decree by the pre-2015 Venezuelan legislature ended.
2014: Conflicting Official Declarations on Maduro's Birthplace
By 2014, the Venezuela government had shared four different birthplaces of Maduro. Táchira state's governor José Vielma Mora assured that Maduro was born in El Palotal sector of San Antonio del Táchira. In June 2013, Maduro claimed he was born in Caracas, in Los Chaguaramos, in San Pedro Parish. During an interview with a Spanish journalist, also in June 2013, Elías Jaua claimed that Maduro was born in El Valle parish, in the Libertador Municipality of Caracas.
2014: Protests Due to Shortages and Decreased Living Standards
In 2014, shortages and decreased living standards led to widespread protests in Venezuela.
February 2015: Arrest of Antonio Ledezma
In February 2015, Antonio Ledezma was arrested as part of government actions responding to alleged coup attempts.
March 2015: Maduro Granted Power to Rule by Decree Again
From 15 March 2015 to 31 December 2015, Maduro was again granted the power to rule by decree by the pre-2015 Venezuelan legislature to address the ongoing economic crisis.
March 2015: Mario Silva Claims Maduro Suffered Psychological Attacks
In March 2015, on the TV program La Hojilla, Mario Silva, a TV personality of the main state-run channel Venezolana de Televisión, stated that Maduro had received about 13 million psychological attacks.
April 2015: Maduro sees small increase in approval after anti-US rhetoric.
In April 2015, Maduro experienced a slight increase in approval after initiating a campaign of anti-US rhetoric following the sanctioning of seven officials accused of human rights violations by the United States.
November 2015: Maduro's nephews apprehended for cocaine distribution
In November 2015, after Maduro's nephews were apprehended by the US Drug Enforcement Administration for the illegal distribution of cocaine, carrying diplomatic passports, Maduro criticized "attacks and imperialist ambushes" on Twitter.
December 2015: End of Second Decree Power Period
On 31 December 2015, the period in which Maduro was granted power to rule by decree by the pre-2015 Venezuelan legislature ended.
2015: Amnesty International Report Details Extrajudicial Executions Between 2015 and 2017
A 2018 Amnesty International report found that between 2015 and 2017 there were 8,292 extrajudicial executions carried out.
2015: Supreme Tribunal Filled with Maduro Allies
After the opposition won the 2015 parliamentary elections, the lame duck National Assembly filled the Supreme Tribunal of Justice with Maduro allies.
2015: Opposition-Led National Assembly Elected
In 2015, an opposition-led National Assembly was elected in Venezuela.
2015: Possible assistance for Venezuelan parliamentary elections
In November 2016, Efraín Antonio Campo Flores and Francisco Flores de Freitas, two nephews of Maduro's wife, were found guilty in a US court of conspiracy to import cocaine, potentially assisting the 2015 Venezuelan parliamentary elections.
2015: Began Ruling by Decree
Since 2015, Nicolás Maduro has ruled Venezuela by decree, using powers granted by the ruling party legislature.
January 2016: OAS Threatens Democratic Charter Invocation
In January 2016, the Secretary General of the Organization of American States (OAS), Luis Almagro, threatened to invoke the Inter-American Democratic Charter after opposition National Assembly members were barred from taking their seats. Human rights organizations called for the OAS to invoke the Democratic Charter.
January 2016: Supreme Tribunal Grants Maduro Decree Power
Starting on 15 January 2016, the Supreme Tribunal granted Maduro decree power to address the economic crisis, a move condemned by the Venezuelan opposition.
April 2016: Maduro Changes Birthplace Narrative Again
In April 2016, during a cadena nacional, Maduro changed his birthplace narrative once more, stating that he was born in Los Chaguaramos, specifically in Valle Abajo, and added that he was baptized in the San Pedro church.
May 2016: Opposition Calls for Recall Referendum
In May 2016, Venezuelan opposition leaders delivered a petition to the National Electoral Council (CNE) calling for a recall referendum to remove Maduro from office.
May 2016: OAS Involvement and Maduro's Accusations
In May 2016, opposition members of the National Assembly asked the OAS to implement the Democratic Charter. The Maduro government then called for a meeting with the OAS, with Venezuelan Foreign Minister Delcy Rodríguez accusing the United States and the OAS of attempting to overthrow Maduro. Maduro called OAS Secretary General Luis Almagro "a traitor" and claimed he worked for the CIA.
July 2016: Detainment of Opposition Activists
On 5 July 2016, the Venezuelan intelligence service detained five opposition activists involved with the recall referendum, and two other activists of the same party were also arrested.
August 2016: Recall Process Continues
On 1 August 2016, the CNE announced that enough signatures had been validated for the recall process to continue, although disputes arose over the timing of the referendum.
October 2016: Supreme Tribunal's Ruling on Maduro's Birthplace
On 28 October 2016, the Supreme Tribunal of Justice issued a ruling asserting with certainty that Maduro was born in Caracas on 23 November 1962, based on "incontrovertible evidence." The ruling quoted a communiqué from the Colombian vice-minister of foreign affairs stating that no information was found to suggest Maduro was a Colombian national. The Supreme Court warned against "sowing doubts about the origins of the president."
November 2016: Maduro's nephews found guilty of conspiracy to import cocaine
In November 2016, Efraín Antonio Campo Flores and Francisco Flores de Freitas, two nephews of Maduro's wife, were found guilty in a US court of conspiracy to import cocaine.
November 2016: Poll indicates high percentage of voters would oust Maduro in recall.
In November 2016, during a recall movement, a Venebarómetro poll found that 88% of likely voters would choose to oust Maduro in a recall election. Other polls, such as those by Hercon, Meganálisis, and Datanálisis, showed similar results, with a high percentage of voters willing to recall Maduro.
2016: Calls for Investigation into Maduro's Nationality
In 2016, a group of Venezuelans petitioned the National Assembly to investigate whether Maduro was Colombian, citing doubts about his origins and his refusal to show his birth certificate. Former members of the Electoral Council also requested that Tibisay Lucena publicly exhibit documents certifying Maduro's compliance with constitutional articles regarding nationality. Diario Las Américas claimed to have access to birth inscriptions of Maduro's mother and uncle in Colombia.
2016: Recall Movement Begins
In 2016, a movement to recall Nicolás Maduro began but was later cancelled by his government.
2016: Accusations of Dictatorship
In 2016, the Supreme Tribunal of Justice refused to acknowledge the National Assembly's recall attempts, leading to widespread accusations of Maduro being a dictator. Foreign Affairs described it as a "full-on dictatorship," Javier Corrales noted Venezuela's "transition to a full dictatorship" in Americas Quarterly, and OAS General Secretary Luis Almagro stated that Maduro was becoming a dictator.
2016: Venezuelan government targeting political opponents
Since 2016, the Venezuelan government has "aimed at neutralising, repressing and criminalising political opponents and people critical of the government".
April 2017: ICC Prosecutor's report on crimes against humanity
On 14 December 2020, the Office of the Prosecutor released a report stating that it believed there was a "reasonable basis" to think that "since at least April 2017, civilian authorities, members of the armed forces and pro-government individuals have committed the crimes against humanity."
May 2017: Maduro Proposes Constituent Assembly Election
In May 2017, Nicolás Maduro proposed the 2017 Venezuelan Constituent Assembly election, which faced wide international condemnation.
July 2017: Constituent Assembly Election and US Sanctions
On 30 July 2017, the Venezuelan Constituent Assembly election was held despite international condemnation. Following this election, the United States sanctioned Maduro, labeling him a "dictator".
July 2017: United States sanctions Maduro.
On July 31, 2017, the United States sanctioned Maduro after the Constituent Assembly election, making him the fourth foreign head of state to be sanctioned by the United States. Secretary of the Treasury Steven Mnuchin stated "Maduro is a dictator who disregards the will of the Venezuelan people". Maduro responded during his victory speech, stating "I don't obey imperial orders. I'm against the Ku Klux Klan that governs the White House, and I'm proud to feel that way."
August 2017: Luisa Ortega accuses Maduro of profiting from shortages
In August 2017, Luisa Ortega Díaz accused Maduro of profiting from the shortages in Venezuela through contracts with Group Grand Limited.
August 2017: Trump Considers Military Option in Venezuela
On 11 August 2017, President Donald Trump stated that he was not ruling out a military option to confront the government of Nicolás Maduro.
November 2017: Maduro filmed eating empanada during live broadcast.
In November 2017, during a live cadena broadcast, Maduro was filmed eating an empanada from his desk, unaware he was still on camera. This occurred amid controversy over his weight gain during a nationwide food and medicine shortage, drawing criticism on social media.
2017: Amnesty International Report Details Extrajudicial Executions Between 2015 and 2017
A 2018 Amnesty International report found that between 2015 and 2017 there were 8,292 extrajudicial executions carried out.
2017: Investigations into FAES agents
Although Venezuelan authorities told the United Nations Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR) that 388 agents were under investigation for crimes committed between 2017 and 2019, the OHCHR also reported that institutions usually do not conduct prompt, effective, thorough, independent, impartial and transparent investigations into human rights violations.
2017: Maduro expresses support for same-sex marriage
In 2017, Maduro expressed his personal support for same-sex marriage.
2017: Venezuela Downgraded to Authoritarian Regime
In 2017, The Economist Intelligence Unit downgraded Venezuela from a hybrid regime to an authoritarian regime, reflecting "Venezuela's continued slide towards dictatorship" due to the government sidelining the opposition-dominated National Assembly, jailing or disenfranchising opposition politicians, and violently suppressing opposition protests.
2017: Sanctions imposed on government officials after Constituent Assembly election.
In 2017, following the 2017 Venezuelan Constituent Assembly election, the United States Department of Treasury sanctioned thirteen government officials due to their involvement. Two months later, the Canadian government also sanctioned members of the Maduro government, including Maduro, preventing Canadian nationals from engaging in property and financial deals with them due to the rupture of Venezuela's constitutional order.
2017: National Assembly investigation finds corruption in food distribution.
In 2017, the National Assembly investigation found that the government paid US$42 for food that cost under US$13 and that "Maduro's inner circle kept the difference, which totaled more than $200 million dollars in at least one case", adding that food boxes were "distributed in exchange for votes".
2017: Constitutional Crisis and Protests
In 2017, the Supreme Tribunal removed power from the National Assembly, resulting in a constitutional crisis and protests. Maduro called for a rewrite of the constitution, and the Constituent Assembly of Venezuela was elected under irregular conditions.
2017: International Condemnation and Sanctions
In 2017, the Supreme Tribunal took over the National Assembly's legislative powers, sparking a constitutional crisis. The United States Department of the Treasury sanctioned President Maduro, labeling him a dictator and barring him from the United States. Chilean President Sebastián Piñera also called Maduro a dictator. Human Rights Watch described the situation as Venezuela tightening its hold on democracy. The Financial Times discussed international censure of Maduro, and the Chicago Tribune's editorial board stated that the Trump administration should have no illusions about Maduro's dictatorial intentions.
2017: Tareck El Aissami served Maduro
Tareck El Aissami served Maduro as ex-Venezuelan vice president from 2017 to 2018.
2017: Government Vows Recall Will Not Occur Until 2017
The Venezuelan Government vowed a recall referendum would not occur until 2017, ensuring the current vice president would potentially come to power. This occurred after the CNE announced enough signatures had been validated for the recall process to continue in August 2016.
January 2018: Supreme Tribunal in Exile Declares 2013 Elections Null
On 11 January 2018, the Supreme Tribunal of Justice of Venezuela in exile decreed the nullity of the 2013 presidential elections after evidence was presented about Maduro's ineligibility. Aristeguieta argued that Maduro is "Colombian by birth" and the Constitutional Chamber requested a certified copy of the president's birth certificate and his resignation from Colombian nationality.
February 2018: ICC opens preliminary probes into alleged crimes against humanity
In February 2018, the International Criminal Court (ICC) announced that it would open preliminary probes into the alleged crimes against humanity performed by Venezuelan authorities.
March 2018: Pastrana's Reference to Maduro's Mother's Baptism Certificate
In March 2018, former Colombian president Andrés Pastrana referenced the baptism certificate of Maduro's mother, noting that the document reiterates her Colombian origin and, therefore, Maduro's Colombian citizenship.
March 2018: Panama sanctions Maduro.
On March 29, 2018, the Panamanian government sanctioned Maduro for his alleged involvement with "money laundering, financing of terrorism and financing the proliferation of weapons of mass destruction".
April 2018: End of Diplomatic Crisis with Panama
On 26 April 2018, President Maduro announced the end of the diplomatic crisis with Panama, agreeing to the return of ambassadors and air communication between the countries.
May 2018: Accusations of Dictatorship During Presidential Elections
In May 2018, during the Venezuelan presidential elections, The New York Times highlighted accusations of Maduro being a dictator. Miguel Angel Latouche, a political science professor, stated, "Venezuela is now a dictatorship." CNN reported that US Republicans were using the term Venezuelan dictator to describe a Democratic candidate. Roger Noriega described Maduro's regime as a "lawless regime" and "narcodictatorship" that had driven Venezuela to the brink of collapse.
May 2018: US sanctions against Diosdado Cabello
On 18 May 2018, the Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) of the United States Department of the Treasury placed sanctions in effect against Diosdado Cabello, who allegedly directed drug trafficking activities with Venezuelan Vice President Tareck El Aissami while dividing drug profits with President Maduro.
May 2018: Presidential Elections
On 20 May 2018, presidential elections were held in Venezuela.
May 20, 2018: International Leaders Condemn Maduro as Dictator
On May 20, 2018, after Maduro's fraudulent and anti-democratic elections, Canada's Prime Minister Justin Trudeau labeled Maduro an "illegitimate dictator" responsible for "terrible oppression" and the humanitarian crisis. The Canadian minister of foreign affairs, Chrystia Freeland, stated that the Maduro regime was "fully entrenched as a dictatorship." Presidents Mauricio Macri of Argentina and Jair Bolsonaro of Brazil also condemned what they called Maduro's dictatorship.
August 2018: Drone Attack on Maduro
On 4 August 2018, at least two drones armed with explosives detonated in the area where Nicolás Maduro was delivering an address to military officers in Venezuela. It is debated whether this was an assassination attempt or a false flag operation.
August 2018: Maduro sentenced to prison by Supreme Tribunal of Justice in exile.
On August 15, 2018, Maduro was sentenced to 18 years and 3 months in prison by the Supreme Tribunal of Justice of Venezuela in exile. The exiled high court cited sufficient evidence of corruption and money laundering. Luis Almagro, the Organization of American States Secretary General, supported the verdict and called on the Venezuelan National Assembly to recognize the ruling.
September 2018: Maduro dines at luxury restaurant with Salt Bae.
In September 2018, Maduro dined at one of Nusret Gökçe's luxury restaurants in Istanbul, where he and his wife were served a meat-heavy meal by Gökçe (Salt Bae), who also offered a personalized shirt and box of cigars with Maduro's name engraved. The event sparked international criticism, with The Wall Street Journal noting the incident angered impoverished Venezuelans.
September 2018: Meganálisis poll finds high percentage of Venezuelans want Maduro removed from power.
In September 2018, Meganálisis polls found that 84.6% of Venezuelans surveyed wanted Maduro and his government to be removed from power.
September 2018: Six states parties refer Venezuela situation to ICC
On 27 September 2018, six states parties to the Rome Statute, including Argentina, Canada, Colombia, Chile, Paraguay and Peru, referred the situation in Venezuela since 12 February 2014 to the ICC, requesting the Prosecutor Fatou Bensouda to initiate an investigation on crimes against humanity allegedly committed in the territory.
October 2018: Mexican prosecutors accuse Venezuelan government of food scheme.
In October 2018, Mexican prosecutors accused the Venezuelan government and Mexican individuals of buying poor-quality food products for CLAP and exporting them to Venezuela to double their value for sale.
December 2018: Glamorous Christmas party leaked from Supreme Tribunal of Justice.
In December 2018, videos and pictures leaked showing a glamorous Christmas party with an expensive feast, including French wine, at the pro-Maduro Supreme Tribunal of Justice. The images sparked considerable backlash online, with critics denouncing the cost of the party amid the grave economic crisis and what they saw as hypocrisy from Maduro's government.
December 2018: Presidential Elections Scheduled for December 2018
The Venezuelan presidential elections were originally scheduled for December 2018, but were subsequently moved forward to April and then May of 2018.
2018: Amnesty International Report on Human Rights Violations
A 2018 Amnesty International report accused Nicolás Maduro's government of committing severe human rights violations in Venezuela, including thousands of extrajudicial executions between 2015 and 2017.
2018: Conviction of FAES agents
Although Venezuelan authorities told the United Nations Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR) that five FAES agents were convicted on charges including attempted murder for crimes committed in 2018, the OHCHR also reported that institutions usually do not conduct prompt, effective, thorough, independent, impartial and transparent investigations into human rights violations.
2018: Poll indicates low voter support for Maduro before presidential elections.
Before the 2018 presidential elections, a Datanálisis poll indicated that 16.7% of voters would vote for Maduro, compared to 27.6% and 17.1% for rival candidates Henri Falcón and Javier Bertucci, respectively.
2018: Media outlet shutdowns
By 2018, during Nicolás Maduro's first tenure, 115 media outlets had been shut down, including 41 print outlets, 65 radio outlets and 9 television channels.
2018: Maduro declared winner of election; result disputed.
In 2018, Maduro was declared the winner of the election with 67.8% of the vote. The result was denounced as fraudulent by most neighboring countries and organizations such as the European Union and the Organization of American States. However, other countries like Mexico, Bolivia, Cuba, Suriname, Nicaragua, South Africa, China, Russia, North Korea, and Turkey recognized the election as legitimate.
2018: OAS Alleged Crimes Against Humanity
In 2018, a Board of Independent Experts designated by the Organization of American States (OAS) alleged that crimes against humanity had been committed in Venezuela during Maduro's presidency.
2018: Maduro Targeted in Drone Attack During Rally
In 2018, during a speech to rally supporters, Maduro was targeted by two drones that exploded.
2018: Tareck El Aissami served Maduro
Tareck El Aissami served Maduro as ex-Venezuelan vice president from 2017 to 2018.
January 2019: Maduro banned from entering Colombia.
In January 2019, Maduro was included in a list of 200 people with close ties to the Nicolás Maduro regime and banned from entering Colombia.
January 2019: Condemnation of Second Inauguration
In January 2019, Nicolás Maduro's second inauguration was widely condemned and led to further commentary in publications such as the Irish Times, the Times, the Council on Foreign Relations, Frankfurter Allgemeine Zeitung, and the Economist that Maduro had consolidated power and become a dictator.
January 2019: Maduro Sworn In Amidst Condemnation and Guaido Declared Interim President
On 10 January 2019, Nicolás Maduro was sworn in as president amidst widespread condemnation. Minutes later, the OAS declared his presidency illegitimate. On 23 January 2019, Juan Guaidó was declared interim president, supported by several countries, while Russia, China, and Cuba supported Maduro.
January 2019: Swearing-In and Presidential Crisis
On 10 January 2019, President Maduro was sworn in amidst widespread condemnation. On 23 January 2019, Juan Guaidó was declared interim president, beginning a presidential crisis.
January 2019: Venezuela Breaks Ties with the United States
On 23 January 2019, Nicolás Maduro announced that Venezuela was breaking ties with the United States after President Trump recognized Juan Guaidó as the interim President of Venezuela.
February 2019: Polls indicate declining support for Maduro during presidential crisis.
In February 2019, during the presidential crisis, Meganálisis recorded that 4.1% of Venezuelans recognized Maduro as president, while Hinterlaces found that 57% recognized him as the legitimate president. Datanálisis found that Maduro's support among the poorest 20% of Venezuelans had fallen to 18%.
March 2019: Over 50 Countries Do Not Recognize Maduro as President
As of March 2019, over 50 countries, the OAS, and the Lima Group did not recognize Nicolás Maduro as the legitimate president of Venezuela.
March 2019: Poll finds Maduro's approval at all-time low.
By March 4, 2019, a Datanálisis poll found Guaidó's approval at 61%, and Maduro's at an all-time low of 14%. In a theoretical election, Guaidó would win with 77% of the vote, while Maduro would receive 23%.
March 2019: Report on Maduro losing grip on Venezuela's poor
In March 2019, The Wall Street Journal reported that barrios are turning against Maduro and that "many blame government brutality for the shift".
April 2019: US Department of State allegations of human rights violations
In April 2019, the US Department of State alleged that Venezuela, "led by Nicolas Maduro, has consistently violated the human rights and dignity of its citizens" and "driven a once prosperous nation into economic ruin with his authoritarian rule".
April 2019: US Department of State highlights investigation into government corruption.
In April 2019, the United States Department of State highlighted a 2017 National Assembly investigation that found the government paid US$42 for food costing under US$13, with Maduro's inner circle pocketing the difference, totaling over $200 million in at least one instance. The report also noted food boxes were distributed in exchange for votes.
June 2019: Journalists denied access to National Assembly
As of June 2019, journalists have been denied access to seven sessions of the National Assembly by the National Guard.
September 2019: Human Rights Watch report on arbitrary arrests and extrajudicial executions
In September 2019, a report by Human Rights Watch indicated that the poor communities in Venezuela no longer in support of Maduro's government have witnessed arbitrary arrests and extrajudicial executions at the hands of Venezuelan police unit.
October 2019: Alleged Contract Between Guaido and Silvercorp USA
Jordan Goudreau claimed that in October 2019, Juan Guaidó and two political advisers had signed a contract with him for US$213 million for an operation.
2019: Porras's assessment of Maduro
In 2019 Temir Porras, a visiting professor at Paris Institute of Political Studies who was Maduro's chief of staff during his tenure as foreign minister, said that in the early days of Chavismo, Maduro was considered pragmatic and a very skilled politician who was good at negotiating and bargaining.
2019: Criticism from Former Chief of Staff and Economic Policy Shifts
In 2019, Maduro's former chief of staff criticized his leadership. However, the Maduro government also abandoned socialist policies due to increased international sanctions, leading to an economic rebound. The Economist noted income from gold and narcotics sales.
2019: Analyst describes Maduro as extremely unpopular.
In 2019, analyst José Briceño-Ruiz, based on the Meganalisis poll and other trends, described Maduro as "extremely unpopular".
2019: Violations of freedom of expression
In 2019, during the first seven months, the Press and Society Institute of Venezuela found at least 350 cases of violations of freedom of expression.
2019: UN report on human rights violations
In 2019, the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights addressed extrajudicial executions, torture, enforced disappearances, and other rights violations allegedly committed by Venezuelan security forces in recent years.
March 2020: US Department of Justice charges against Maduro for narco-terrorism
On 26 March 2020, the United States Department of Justice charged Maduro and other Venezuelan officials for what William Barr described as "narco-terrorism".
May 2020: Attempted Overthrow by Armed Dissidents
On 3 May 2020, Venezuelan security forces prevented an attempt to overthrow Maduro by armed Venezuelan dissidents organized by Silvercorp USA. The Venezuelan government accused the US and Colombia of involvement, while Guaidó denied involvement.
December 2020: ICC Prosecutor's report on crimes against humanity
On 14 December 2020, the Office of the Prosecutor released a report stating that it believed there was a "reasonable basis" to think that "since at least April 2017, civilian authorities, members of the armed forces and pro-government individuals have committed the crimes against humanity."
September 2021: Report on Venezuelan justice system
On 16 September 2021, the Independent International Fact-Finding Mission on Venezuela released its second report on the country's situation, concluding that the independence of the Venezuelan justice system under Maduro has been deeply eroded to the extent of playing an important role in aiding the state repression and perpetuating state impunity for human rights violations.
November 2021: ICC opens investigation regarding the situation in Venezuela
On 4 November 2021, ICC Prosecutor Karim Khan announced the opening of an investigation regarding the situation in Venezuela.
2021: ICC Opened Investigation
In 2021, the Office of the Prosecutor of the International Criminal Court (ICC) announced the opening of an investigation regarding the situation in Venezuela.
October 2022: Maduro's nephews freed in prisoner swap
In October 2022, Maduro's nephews were freed in a prisoner swap for seven jailed Americans.
February 2023: Poll shows Maduro trailing opposition candidate before 2024 elections.
In February 2023, a year before the 2024 presidential elections, a Datincorp poll concluded that 15.69% of voters would vote for Maduro as a candidate, in contrast to 16.86% that would vote for opposition candidate María Corina Machado.
June 2023: Maduro Visits Saudi Arabia
In June 2023, Nicolás Maduro made an official state visit to Saudi Arabia.
September 2023: Maduro Visits China and Requests BRICS Support
In September 2023, Nicolás Maduro visited China, requesting support for Venezuela to join the economic bloc BRICS and seeking increased Chinese investment in Latin America and the Caribbean. During the visit, he also signed an agreement for the training of Venezuelan astronauts.
November 2023: Maduro Condemns Israel's Actions in Gaza
On 7 November 2023, Nicolás Maduro condemned Israel's actions in the Gaza Strip during the Gaza war, accusing Israel of committing genocide against Palestinians in Gaza.
December 2023: Essequibo Referendum
In December 2023, Maduro promoted a consultative referendum in Venezuela to support Venezuela's claim to the Essequibo region, which is disputed with Guyana. The referendum took place on 3 December 2023, with a large majority voting in favor of Venezuela's claims.
2023: Venezuela dropped in the Press Freedom Index
Between 2013 and 2023 Venezuela dropped 42 places in the Press Freedom Index.
September 2024: Arrest warrant issued against Maduro by Argentine court.
In September 2024, an Argentine federal court issued an arrest warrant against Maduro and several other Venezuelan officials for crimes against humanity.
September 2024: Arrests of Alleged Assassination Attempt Perpetrators
In September 2024, the Venezuelan police captured and arrested three Americans, two Spaniards, and a Czech national carrying sniper rifles and other munitions to allegedly assassinate Maduro. Diosdado Cabello blamed the CIA and Spanish intelligence for the coup attempt and announced the arrest of a US military active-duty member.
2024: Presidential election political crisis
In 2024, Nicolas Maduro ran for a third term, with the Maduro-aligned CNE claiming he won without evidence, causing a political crisis.
2024: Presidential elections scheduled.
In February 2023, it was noted that presidential elections were scheduled in 2024.
January 2025: Sworn in for third term
On 10 January 2025 Maduro was sworn in for his third term as president
January 2025: Increased reward for Maduro's arrest
The reward for information leading to Maduro's arrest was increased to $25 million after he was inaugurated for a third term on 10 January 2025.
Mentioned in this timeline
Donald John Trump is an American politician media personality and...
Ukraine is a large Eastern European nation second in size...
Justin Trudeau served as the rd Prime Minister of Canada...
The United States of America is a federal republic located...
Venezuela officially the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela is a South...
Saudi Arabia officially the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia KSA is...
Trending
Kazakhstan officially the Republic of Kazakhstan is a landlocked country in Central Asia with a small portion in Eastern Europe...
Sir Gavin Williamson is a British Conservative politician who has served as the Member of Parliament MP for Stone since...
Pfeffelbach is a municipality Ortsgemeinde within the Kusel district of Rhineland-Palatinate Germany It is part of the Verbandsgemeinde of Kusel-Altenglan...
Nancy Pelosi is an American politician notable for being the nd Speaker of the House serving two terms - and...
Kalshi Inc a financial exchange and prediction market located in New York City allows traders to bet on future events...
3 hours ago Jasmine Paolini's WTA Finals Race Intensifies Amidst China Open Contrasts and Gauff's Triumph
Popular
Paracetamol also known as acetaminophen is a commonly used over-the-counter...
Charlie Kirk is an American right-wing political activist entrepreneur and...
Turning Point USA TPUSA is a conservative nonprofit organization founded...
Candace Owens is an American political commentator and author known...
Greg Gutfeld is an American television personality known for his...
Kash Patel is an American lawyer and former federal prosecutor...