Nicolás Maduro Moros (born November 23, 1962) is a Venezuelan politician who has served as the president of Venezuela since 2013. He began his career as a bus driver and trade union leader before entering politics. Maduro was elected to the National Assembly in 2000 and held several significant positions under President Hugo Chávez, including President of the National Assembly (2005–2006), Minister of Foreign Affairs (2006–2012), and Vice President (2012–2013). After Chávez's death in March 2013, Maduro assumed the presidency and won a special presidential election in April 2013 with 50.62% of the vote as the candidate of the United Socialist Party of Venezuela (PSUV). He has governed Venezuela largely by decree since 2015, using powers granted by the ruling party legislature. Maduro was re-elected in 2018, though his government has faced widespread domestic and international criticism over election legitimacy and governance. His presidency has been marked by Venezuela’s severe economic crisis and political turmoil. In late 2018, leaked images of an extravagant Christmas party held by the pro-Maduro Supreme Tribunal of Justice sparked public outrage, highlighting the contrast between the government’s spending and the country’s hardships. In recent years, Maduro’s administration has been accused by various governments and organizations of undermining democratic institutions and holding elections considered fraudulent by international observers. Municipal elections scheduled in 2025 have continued to draw criticism as attempts to consolidate his regime’s control amid ongoing political unrest and economic challenges in Venezuela[1][2][3].