Venezuelan leader Nicolas Maduro has proclaimed that the Christmas season will commence on October 1, much to the delight of his supporters, even as his government intensifies a crackdown on political dissent that has left thousands of citizens behind bars. During his weekly television address, Maduro declared, “This year and to honor you all, to thank you all, I am going to decree the beginning of Christmas on October 1. Christmas arrived for everyone, in peace, joy, and security!”
This announcement comes amid ongoing tensions following the July presidential election, where Maduro claimed victory for a third term, a claim met with skepticism from both international observers and local opposition groups. Hours before his Christmas declaration, authorities issued an arrest warrant for Edmundo Gonzalez, Maduro’s principal political rival, accusing him of terrorism-related offenses.
Questions surrounding the legitimacy of the election persist, with the opposition coalition backing Gonzalez insisting that the vote was stolen. They have released documents suggesting that Maduro actually lost by a significant margin. In response to the disputed election results, several governments, including the United States, have urged Venezuelan authorities to release detailed voting data for verification. Recently, U.S. officials announced the seizure of a plane used by Maduro in the Dominican Republic, while a second plane linked to him is under constant surveillance there.
Protests against the election results have been met with severe repression, leading to the arrest of around 2,400 individuals. Many Venezuelans are currently hiding in fear of government retaliation or fleeing the country. The situation has been described as the deadliest in years, with human rights organizations reporting numerous fatalities and a significant increase in detentions compared to previous protests in 2014 and 2017.
Despite his cheerful announcement regarding the Christmas season, Maduro has taken a hardline stance against dissent, recently inaugurating new prisons for detained protesters and encouraging increased arrests. His comments at a rally included references to a controversial operation dubbed “Operation Knock-Knock,” intended to intimidate critics.
Maduro’s early Christmas declaration is not unprecedented; he has previously extended the holiday period to provide additional support to public employees and bolster the economy during times of crisis. However, the Venezuelan Episcopal Conference voiced opposition to his decision, asserting that the holiday should not be manipulated for political gain, stating, “Christmas commences on December 25.”