a terrible decade
Nicolás Maduro marked a decade of leadership with a curious mix of media spectacle and political maneuvering. Ten years after his first election win, the presidency has been framed around public appearances and a bold media initiative. The platform Mature +? pitched as a way to explain the importance of staying engaged with the region, featuring a star presenter described as a Siri-like artificial intelligence figure. The character is billed as an AI personal assistant created to accompany Venezuelans through news, technology updates, and direct lines of contact. The message from Maduro’s team framed this digital persona as a sign of progress, hoping to place technology at the center of national dialogue.
“Humanity has entered a new era,” asserted the president during discussions about the initiative. A left-leaning portal offered commentary on the inclusion of a stylized AI figure, arguing that the move positioned Venezuela at the forefront of technology. The pace of change in science, ideas, and climate was celebrated, while the campaign itself faced scrutiny over how it aligned with electoral realities. As the leader described, this election cycle was still on the horizon, and the opposition appeared ready to press ahead.
A recent poll by Polianalytica suggested a mixed electoral landscape with a notable gap between public sentiment and the outcomes needed to shift power. Analysts noted that Maduro would likely face a challenge from a diverse slate of opponents including opposition figures and a well-known comedian, with race dynamics and political allegiances shaping the forecast.
The president remained cautious about polls, emphasizing a narrative of resilience amid economic strain. Protests, international pressure, and the exodus of many citizens were cited as factors contributing to the country’s woes. In Maduro’s view, external pressures and internal resistance would not derail the ongoing efforts to steer the country toward a new path.
“Con Maduro +” was introduced as a broader effort to accompany the people with news, advances, direct contact, and artificial intelligence. The campaign stressed a proactive stance in communication and technology, inviting citizens to join the conversation and stay informed about developments in the nation.
— Nicolas Maduro (@NicolasMaduro) April 18, 2023
a terrible decade
The Maduro era followed the long shadow of Hugo Chávez, whose illness led to an interim leadership period and a new electoral cycle. A contested election produced a narrow victory that some described as tainted by irregularities, sparking street protests and a fatal toll. The early years of Maduro’s presidency were marked by questions about legitimacy and the methods used to consolidate power.
By 2015, the government faced a legitimacy test at the ballot box as opposition forces gained momentum in the National Assembly and pressed for a recall referendum that authorities did not approve. The political battle expanded into public demonstrations, with casualties reported and ongoing concerns about fairness in the process. Maduro was re-elected in 2018 amid restrictions on the opposition and limited electoral freedoms.
In January 2019, Juan Guaidó emerged as a rival claim to the presidency with support from Washington and several nations. The government faced sharp sanctions from the United States, failed coup attempts, and a high-profile attempted armed intervention. Economic distress deepened, with hyperinflation eroding purchasing power and vast reliance on state aid. Oil production, the country’s main export, fell sharply, intensifying hardship for many Venezuelans.
Intention to vote for the 2024 presidential election – Encounters:
⚫️ Benjamin Rausseo = 39.3% Nicolás Maduro = 22.8%
Maria Corina = 38.1% Nicolás Maduro = 24.4%
Henrique Capriles = 31.4% Nicolás Maduro = 24.5%
Collaborations with Delphos Surveys – @espolitics
new challenges
Ten years after an urgent candidacy and a string of controversies, the political landscape showed continuity rather than drastic change. The regime built a strong base with the Armed Forces and cultivated a personality cult that reinforced Maduro’s leadership. The global energy shock triggered by the Ukrainian crisis affected prices and markets worldwide, with Venezuela’s crude contributing to a complex energy picture. Maduro spoke of resilience in the face of foreign criticism while facing serious allegations of human rights violations. The state of the economy remained a central concern as officials sought a path toward a socialist-leaning horizon amid corruption scandals at the state oil company and other agencies.
Regional dynamics also shifted. Venezuela expanded outreach with neighboring governments in Colombia, Argentina, and Brazil. Caracas signaled willingness to participate in peace efforts and dialogues with political actors trying to address internal tensions. Colombia’s Gustavo Petro engaged with multiple armed groups and pursued international coordination to ease regional conflicts, with a conference tentatively planned for later dates. The political players in Mexico also expressed cautious optimism about regional dialogue, while Caracas emphasized that serious obstacles could not be overcome while unilateral penalties persisted under foreign policy pressures.