Nicolás Maduro facts for kids

Quick facts for kids His Excellency Señor Presidente Nicolás Maduro
Maduro in 2025
53rd President of Venezuela
Incumbent
Assumed office 19 April 2013
Vice President	See list Himself (Mar–Apr 2013) Jorge Arreaza (2013–2016) Aristóbulo Istúriz (2016–2017) Tareck El Aissami (2017–2018) Delcy Rodríguez (2018–present)
Preceded by	Hugo Chávez
President of the United Socialist Party of Venezuela
Incumbent
Assumed office 5 March 2013
Vice President	Diosdado Cabello
Preceded by	Hugo Chávez
24th Vice President of Venezuela
In office 13 October 2012 – 19 April 2013
President	Hugo Chávez Himself (acting)
Preceded by	Elías Jaua
Succeeded by	Jorge Arreaza
Minister of Foreign Affairs
In office 9 August 2006 – 13 October 2012
President	Hugo Chávez
Preceded by	Alí Rodríguez Araque
Succeeded by	Elías Jaua
3rd President of the National Assembly of Venezuela
In office 5 January 2005 – 7 August 2006
Preceded by	Francisco Ameliach
Succeeded by	Cilia Flores
Member of the National Assembly of Venezuela for Capital District
In office 3 August 2000 – 7 August 2006
Secretary General of the Non-Aligned Movement
In office 17 September 2016 – 25 October 2019
Preceded by	Hassan Rouhani
Succeeded by	Ilham Aliyev
President pro tempore of the Union of South American Nations
In office 23 April 2016 – 21 April 2017
Preceded by	Tabaré Vázquez
Succeeded by	Mauricio Macri
Personal details
Born	Nicolás Maduro Moros (1962-11-23) 23 November 1962 (age 62) Caracas, Venezuela
Political party	United Socialist Party of Venezuela (since 2007)
Other political affiliations	Fifth Republic Movement (until 2007)
Spouses	Adriana Guerra Angulo (div.) Cilia Flores ​ (m. 2013)​
Children	Nicolás Maduro Guerra
Residence	Miraflores Palace
Occupation	Politician
Signature
n.b.

Nicolás Maduro Moros (born 23 November 1962) is a Venezuelan politician. He has been the 53rd president of Venezuela since 2013. Before becoming president, he served as vice president from 2012 to 2013. He was also the Minister of Foreign Affairs from 2006 to 2012. From 2005 to 2006, he was the third president of the National Assembly.

Maduro started his career as a bus driver. He then became a trade union leader. In 2000, he was elected to the National Assembly. He held several important roles under President Hugo Chávez. After Chávez passed away on 5 March 2013, Maduro became president. A special election was held in 2013, and Maduro won as the candidate for the United Socialist Party of Venezuela. He has been ruling Venezuela by special powers since 2015.

Venezuela has faced many challenges during his presidency. These include shortages and a lower standard of living. This led to protests in 2014. An opposition-led National Assembly was elected in 2015. There was an effort to remove Maduro from office in 2016, but his government stopped it. Maduro has kept power with the help of the Supreme Tribunal, the National Electoral Council, and the military.

In 2017, the Supreme Tribunal took power from the National Assembly. This caused a constitutional crisis and more protests. Maduro then called for a new constitution. The Constituent Assembly of Venezuela was elected in 2017. Many people said the voting was unfair. Presidential elections were held on 20 May 2018. Maduro was sworn in on 10 January 2019. The president of the National Assembly, Juan Guaidó, was declared interim president by the opposition on 23 January 2019. This started a political crisis that lasted almost four years. In 2024, Maduro ran for a third term in an election. The election body said he won, but the opposition claimed their candidate, Edmundo González, received more votes. Maduro was sworn in for his third term on 10 January 2025.

Many people see Maduro's government as authoritarian. It has been linked to electoral fraud, human rights issues, and economic problems. Between 2013 and 2023, Venezuela's Press Freedom Index ranking dropped significantly. The United Nations (UN) and Human Rights Watch estimate that over 20,000 people have been killed by security forces under Maduro. Also, seven million Venezuelans have left the country. The UN found that Venezuela's justice system is not independent. It also noted frequent violations of fair legal processes. Most TV channels in Venezuela are controlled by the state. Information that is not favorable to the government is often not fully reported. In 2018, experts from the Organization of American States (OAS) said that crimes against humanity have happened in Venezuela during Maduro's time as president. In 2021, the International Criminal Court (ICC) started an investigation into the situation in Venezuela.

Early Life and Family

Nicolás Maduro Moros was born on 23 November 1962 in Caracas, Venezuela. He grew up in a working-class family. His father, Nicolás Maduro García, was a well-known trade union leader. His mother, Teresa de Jesús Moros, was from Cúcuta, Colombia. Maduro was the only boy among four siblings. He has three sisters: María Teresa, Josefina, and Anita.

Maduro and his wife, Cilia Flores in 2019

Maduro has been married twice. His first wife was Adriana Guerra Angulo. They had one son, Nicolás Maduro Guerra, also known as "Nicolasito." His son has held several government positions. Later, Maduro married Cilia Flores, a lawyer and politician. She became president of the National Assembly after Maduro. They married in July 2013, a few months after Maduro became president. Maduro is a fan of John Lennon's music. He has said he was inspired by the music and culture of the 1960s and 70s.

Early Political Career

Maduro attended a public high school, Liceo José Ávalos. He became involved in politics through his high school's student union. School records show he did not graduate from high school.

Maduro worked as a bus driver for the Caracas Metro company for many years. He helped start an unofficial trade union there, even though unions were banned at the time. He also worked as a bodyguard for José Vicente Rangel during his presidential campaign in 1983.

Joining the MBR–200 Movement

In the early 1990s, Maduro joined the MBR-200. He worked to free Hugo Chávez when Chávez was jailed after the 1992 Venezuelan coup d'état attempts. In the late 1990s, Maduro helped create the Movement of the Fifth Republic. This group supported Chávez when he ran for president in 1998.

Role in the National Assembly

Maduro was elected to the Venezuelan Chamber of Deputies in 1998. He then joined the National Constituent Assembly in 1999. Finally, he was elected to the National Assembly in 2000. He represented the Capital District. He served as the Speaker of the National Assembly from 2005 to 2006.

Foreign Minister of Venezuela

Maduro as foreign minister, beside Tareck El Aissami, presenting Vladimir Putin the Key to the City of Caracas in April 2010

In 2006, Maduro was appointed Minister of Foreign Affairs. He held this position under President Chávez until October 2012. During his time as foreign minister, he was important in expanding Venezuela's foreign policy beyond Latin America. He aimed to build relationships with many governments that were not close to the United States.

Venezuela's foreign policy under Maduro included ending ties with Taiwan to support China. They also supported Libya under Muammar Gaddafi. Venezuela broke off diplomatic ties with Israel during the 2008–09 Gaza War. They also recognized and started diplomatic relations with the State of Palestine. Relations with Colombia changed several times. Venezuela also recognized Abkhazia and South Ossetia as independent states. They supported Bashar al-Assad during the Syrian Civil War.

Vice President of Venezuela

In 2011, Chávez chose Maduro to be his successor if he died from cancer. This was because Maduro was very loyal to Chávez. He also had good relationships with other chavistas, who are supporters of Chávez's political ideas.

Chávez appointed Maduro as Vice President of Venezuela on 13 October 2012. This was shortly after Chávez won the presidential election that month. On 8 December 2012, Chávez announced that his cancer had returned. He said he would go to Cuba for surgery and treatment. Chávez stated that if his health worsened and a new election was needed, Venezuelans should vote for Maduro to replace him. This was the first time Chávez publicly named a possible successor.

Becoming Interim President

When Hugo Chávez died on 5 March 2013, Maduro took over as president. He appointed Jorge Arreaza as the new vice president. Since Chávez died within the first four years of his term, the Constitution of Venezuela required a new presidential election within 30 days. Maduro was chosen as the Socialist Party's candidate.

Presidency (2013–present)

Maduro taking the oath of office as president of Venezuela on 19 April 2013

In April 2013, Maduro was elected president. He won by a small margin against opposition candidate Henrique Capriles. Capriles asked for a recount and did not accept the results. Maduro was sworn in as president on 19 April. In October 2013, he created a new agency called the Vice Ministry of Supreme Happiness. This agency was meant to coordinate social programs.

President Maduro among other Latin American leaders participating in a 2013 UNASUR summit

In May 2016, opposition leaders asked the National Electoral Council (CNE) for a recall referendum. This would allow people to vote on whether to remove Maduro from office. The government said the protestors were trying to overthrow Maduro. On 1 August 2016, the CNE announced that enough signatures were valid for the recall process to continue.

President Maduro speaking at a Venezuelan Constituent Assembly session on 10 August 2017

In May 2017, Maduro proposed the 2017 Venezuelan Constituent Assembly election. This election was held on 30 July 2017, despite many countries criticizing it. The United States placed sanctions on Maduro after the election. Other countries like China, Russia, and Cuba supported Maduro. Presidential elections were held on 20 May 2018. Many experts called this election a "show election" because it had the lowest voter turnout in the country's democratic history.

Maduro has had special powers to rule by decree since 2013. This was to deal with the economic crisis. His presidency has seen a decline in Venezuela's economy. Crime, inflation, poverty, and hunger have increased. Some experts blame Chávez and Maduro's economic policies. Maduro has blamed his political opponents for "economic warfare."

A 2018 Amnesty International report said Maduro's government committed serious human rights violations. The report found that violence happened often in poor neighborhoods. It noted "8,292 extrajudicial executions between 2015 and 2017." In one year, 22% of killings were by security forces.

On 4 August 2018, two drones with explosives went off near Maduro during a speech. The Venezuelan government said it was an attempt to assassinate Maduro. Others have suggested it was a "false flag" operation by the government to justify cracking down on the opposition.

After more international sanctions during the Venezuelan crisis in 2019, Maduro's government changed some socialist policies. This helped the country's economy improve.

On 3 May 2020, Venezuelan security forces stopped an attempt to overthrow Maduro. This attempt was organized by an American security company. The Venezuelan government said the United States was responsible. Eight attackers were killed, and thirteen were captured.

International Relations

Maduro meeting with Iranian president Hassan Rouhani in 2015

On 6 March 2014, Maduro announced that Venezuela was ending diplomatic and trade relations with Panama. This was after Panama's president supported protestors during the protests. Relations were restored in July 2014.

On 11 August 2017, President Donald Trump said he would not rule out military action against Maduro's government. On 23 January 2019, Maduro announced that Venezuela was breaking ties with the United States. This was after President Trump recognized Juan Guaidó as Venezuela's interim president.

Another diplomatic crisis with Panama happened in 2018. Panama placed sanctions on Maduro and other Venezuelan officials. Venezuela responded with its own sanctions. The crisis ended on 26 April 2018.

Maduro with Russian President Vladimir Putin during the Victory Day celebrations in Moscow on 7 May 2025

On 14 January 2019, Maduro called Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro "a Hitler of the modern era." This was after Brazil recognized Juan Guaidó.

Maduro has a close partnership with Russian leader Vladimir Putin. After Russia invaded Ukraine in February 2022, Maduro discussed increasing cooperation with Russia. Due to higher oil prices from the conflict, discussions began between Maduro and US officials. This suggested that US sanctions on Venezuela might be lifted.

Maduro at the 2023 South American summit

Maduro visited Saudi Arabia in June 2023. He also visited China in September 2023. He asked for China's support for Venezuela to join the economic group BRICS. He also wanted China to invest more in Latin America. Brazil's president Lula da Silva supported Maduro's request to join BRICS. During the visit, Maduro signed an agreement for training Venezuelan astronauts. He expressed a wish to send Venezuelans to the Moon.

In the Israeli–Palestinian conflict, Maduro has often supported the Palestinian cause. On 7 November 2023, he condemned Israel's actions in the Gaza Strip. He accused Israel of committing genocide against Palestinians in Gaza.

Maduro promoted a referendum in Venezuela to support its claim to the Essequibo region. This area is disputed with Guyana. The referendum took place on 3 December 2023. A large majority voted in favor of Venezuela's claims.

In June 2025, Maduro condemned Israeli attacks on Iran. He called it a "criminal assault" that "violates international law." He also accused France, Germany, Britain, and the US of supporting "the 21st-century Hitler" against the "noble and peaceful Iranian people."

Assassination Attempts

Maduro has faced several attempts on his life during his presidency.

In the 2018 Caracas drone attack incident, two drones exploded during a speech he was giving.

In September 2024, Venezuelan police arrested three Americans, two Spaniards, and a Czech national. They were carrying sniper rifles and other weapons. The police claimed they were planning to assassinate Maduro. The Minister of Interior, Justice and Peace, Diosdado Cabello, blamed the CIA and Spanish intelligence. He also said they arrested another US military member linked to attacks during the 2024 Venezuelan presidential election.

Awards and Honours

     Revoked and returned awards and honours.

Awards and orders		Country	Date	Place	Notes
	Order of the Liberator	Venezuela	19 April 2013	Caracas, Venezuela	Highest decoration of Venezuela, given to every president.
	Order of the Liberator General San Martín (Revoked)	Argentina	8 May 2013	Buenos Aires, Argentina	Highest decoration of Argentina awarded by political ally Cristina Fernández de Kirchner. Revoked on 11 August 2017 by President Mauricio Macri for human rights violations.
	Order of the Condor of the Andes	Bolivia	26 May 2013	La Paz, Bolivia	Highest decoration of Bolivia.
	Bicentenary Order of the Admirable Campaign	Venezuela	15 June 2013	Trujillo, Venezuela	Venezuelan order.
	Star of Palestine	Palestine	16 May 2014	Caracas, Venezuela	Highest decoration of Palestine.
	Order of Augusto César Sandino	Nicaragua	17 March 2015	Managua, Nicaragua	Highest decoration of Nicaragua.
	Order of José Martí	Cuba	18 March 2016	La Habana, Cuba	Cuban order.

Other Recognitions

• In 2014, TIME magazine named Maduro one of the 100 Most Influential People.
• In 2016, Reporters Without Borders (RSF) listed Maduro as a "predator" of press freedom in Venezuela. They noted his methods of "censorship and economic pressure" on media.
• In 2016, the Organized Crime and Corruption Reporting Project (OCCRP) gave President Maduro their Person of the Year Award. This award recognizes individuals who have done the most to advance organized crime and corruption. The OCCRP stated that Maduro's rule was "rife with mismanagement."

Elections

2013 Presidential Campaign

Maduro won the presidential election in 2013 after Hugo Chávez's death. He received 50.61% of the votes. The opposition candidate, Henrique Capriles Radonski, had 49.12%. The Democratic Unity Roundtable claimed the election was fraudulent. However, the Supreme Court of Venezuela ruled that Maduro was the rightful president.

2018 Presidential Campaign

Maduro was declared the winner of the 2018 election with 67.8% of the vote. Many neighboring countries and organizations like the European Union and the Organization of American States said the result was fraudulent. Other countries, including Bolivia, Cuba, China, and Russia, recognized the election as legitimate.

2024 Presidential Campaign

Maduro was declared the winner of the 2024 election with 51.2% of the vote.

Electoral History

See also

In Spanish: Nicolás Maduro para niños

• List of presidents of Venezuela