Nicolás Maduro: From Bus Driver to President of Venezuela

Section 4: International Relations and Sanctions

Maduro’s presidency has been marked by strained relations with the United States and other Western nations. The U.S. has accused Maduro of human rights abuses and corruption, leading to a series of sanctions aimed at crippling his government. In 2020, the U.S. Department of Justice indicted Maduro on charges of narcoterrorism, conspiracy to traffic cocaine, and possession of automatic weapons.

These sanctions have had a devastating impact on the Venezuelan economy, exacerbating the humanitarian crisis. Despite the pressure, Maduro has maintained support from allies such as Russia and China, who have provided economic and military assistance. This geopolitical dynamic complicates efforts to resolve the crisis and restore democracy in Venezuela.