On Christmas Eve, Venezuelan leader Nicolás Maduro hosted a festive dinner aimed at promoting "peace and happiness" in the San Agustín parish of Caracas. During the event, he boldly declared that "imperialism cannot" defeat his nation and portrayed himself as a "man of the people."
Adorned with a red, white, and green scarf and surrounded by locals, Maduro engaged in singing traditional Venezuelan music, dancing, and taking photos with attendees. This event was broadcasted by the state-run Venezolana de Televisión (VTV).
"I've never been, nor will I ever be, a tycoon. I am like you, a man of the streets, a man of the neighborhoods; this is our school, which is why imperialism cannot defeat us," he asserted to his supporters.
Maduro revealed that this gathering is the first of many planned across the country's communes to foster "peace and happiness in Venezuela."
The occasion, characterized by a lively and populist atmosphere, featured traditional music and an invitation from the president to "eat, dance, and enjoy!"
This is not the first instance where the Venezuelan president has described himself as a man of the people, distancing himself from the image of a tycoon. Back in 2018, while speaking at the United Nations General Assembly in New York, he stated, "I am a worker, a bus driver, a man of the people, not a tycoon. I would be willing to shake hands with Donald Trump to discuss regional matters," he remarked at the time.
On Tuesday, December 23, Executive Vice President and Minister of Hydrocarbons, Delcy Rodríguez, led another Christmas event in Caracas. She criticized U.S. sanctions and President Trump's recent announcement of a "total and complete blockade" on oil tankers linked to the Chavista regime.
Earlier that day, the United Nations Security Council held an emergency session requested by the Venezuelan government in response to increasing pressure from Washington.
Venezuela's representative at the UN, Samuel Moncada, labeled Trump's actions as "a crime of aggression," while U.S. Ambassador Mike Waltz emphasized that the sanctions are intended to "deprive Maduro of funding the Cartel of the Suns."
In his characteristically defiant manner, the Venezuelan leader used the Christmas dinner to bolster his image as a "leader of the people" and to project a sense of normalcy amid international isolation and economic sanctions that are stifling the nation's economy.
Understanding Venezuela's Political Landscape
What is Nicolás Maduro's stance on being labeled a tycoon?
Nicolás Maduro has consistently rejected the label of a tycoon, instead portraying himself as a man of the people, connected to the everyday struggles of Venezuelans.
How has the United States responded to Venezuela's political situation?
The United States has imposed sanctions on Venezuela, including a complete blockade on oil tankers linked to the regime, as part of efforts to undermine Maduro's financial resources.