WASHINGTON DC, Jan 4 (TIWN): Nicolas Maduro's journey from bus driver to Venezuela's president captivates global attention. US forces captured Maduro and his wife Cilia Flores amid narcotics and election rigging charges. President Donald Trump announced the arrest, sparking celebrations across Venezuela. This biography covers Maduro's early life, political rise, controversies, and recent fall.

Early Life and Personal Life

Nicolas Maduro Moros entered the world on November 23, 1962, in Caracas, Venezuela. He grew up in a working-class leftist family in Los Jardines, El Valle. His father, Nicolas Maduro García, led trade unions and supported the Movimiento Electoral del Pueblo.

Maduro married twice. He first wed Adriana Guerra Angulo, fathering his only son. In 2013, he married Cilia Flores, a lawyer and former National Assembly president.

From Bus Driver to Union Leader

Maduro attended Liceo José Ávalos high school in El Valle, joining the student union without graduating. Former Venezuelan Army Commander Carlos Peñaloza alleged Maduro's involvement in the 1976 kidnapping of American businessman William Niehous.

Maduro drove buses for Caracas Metro and founded an unofficial trade union. He also served as bodyguard for Jose Vicente Rangel during his 1983 presidential bid.

Entry into Politics

In the 1990s, Maduro joined the MBR-200 and campaigned for Hugo Chavez's release after the 1992 coup. He co-founded the Movement of the Fifth Republic, helping Chavez win the 1998 election.

Elected to the Chamber of Deputies in 1998, Maduro advanced to the National Constituent Assembly in 1999 and National Assembly in 2000. He served as Speaker from 2005 to 2006. Under Chavez, Maduro became Foreign Affairs Minister (2006-2012) and Vice President (2012-2013). After Chavez's death, Maduro won the 2013 special election and has ruled by decree since 2015.

Maduro's Controversial Regime

Critics accuse Maduro of authoritarianism, electoral fraud, human rights abuses, and corruption. Venezuela dropped 42 spots in the Press Freedom Index from 2013 to 2023. UN and Human Rights Watch reports claim over 20,000 extrajudicial killings, driving seven million refugees abroad.

Economic shortages sparked 2014 protests, met with repression. The opposition won the 2015 Assembly elections, but Maduro blocked a 2016 recall. A 2017 constitutional crisis fueled more unrest. Maduro's 2018 reelection drew fraud allegations, leading Juan Guaidó to claim interim presidency. In 2024, Maduro declared victory without evidence, despite opposition tallies favoring Edmundo González. By 2025, the US labeled Maduro a terrorist.

Election Rigging Accusations

Opponents charge Maduro with rigging the 2024 election. The National Electoral Council named him winner, but the Carter Center and OAS cited irregularities and lack of transparency.

Maduro's Fall

US forces captured Maduro and Flores in a 2026 military strike over drug trafficking disputes. Trump announced the operation on Truth Social, accusing Maduro of running a narco-state and rigging elections. Venezuelans celebrated in the streets amid unconfirmed reports.

Where is Maduro Now?

US authorities hold Maduro in New York for narcotics charges. A federal court indicted him and Flores, the US attorney-general stated.

What's Next for Venezuela?

Trump declared the US will oversee Venezuela until a peaceful transition. He promised peace, liberty, and justice for Venezuelans, including those in the US eager to return.