In Venezuela, President Nicolas Maduro has announced that Christmas will officially begin on October 1, a decision made amid increasing political repression that has left thousands of Venezuelans in detention following recent protests. During his weekly television show, Maduro expressed his excitement, stating, “September smells like Christmas!” and proclaiming the holiday’s premature start to celebrate the people.
This announcement comes on the heels of accusations against Maduro’s main opposition contender, Edmundo Gonzalez, who faces arrest on charges related to terrorism after failing to respond to summons regarding an investigation into an opposition website that published contested election results. Despite global skepticism about his recent election victory, Maduro is pushing forward with his celebrations.
Venezuela continues to experience unrest stemming from the contentious July elections that many believe were marred by fraud. The opposition, rallying behind Gonzalez, has published evidence suggesting Maduro lost the election, demanding transparency from the government amid international scrutiny.
The U.S. and neighboring countries have called for detailed voting data to validate the election results. Recently, U.S. authorities seized a plane belonging to Maduro in the Dominican Republic, adding another layer of tension to the political climate.
The crackdown on dissent in Venezuela has intensified, with reports of over 2,400 arrests since the election, and an analysis from Human Rights Watch indicating that the number of deaths during protests is significantly higher than in previous years. The situation has led to many fleeing the country, while others remain in hiding due to fears of government reprisals.
Maduro’s administration is actively enforcing measures against protesters, including the construction of new prisons to hold detainees. He has taken a belligerent stance at rallies, promoting an operation to intimidate dissenters, blending Christmas festivities with threats against opponents.
The Venezuelan Episcopal Conference has criticized the early declaration of Christmas, stating that the holiday should not serve as a political tool, emphasizing that it officially begins on December 25. This is not the first time Maduro has extended the Christmas period, having previously done so to coincide with economic boosts during challenging times.