Written by By Staff Writer
Nicolas Maduro, 47, is the President of Venezuela
Opinion: Interviews with Nicolás Maduro
CNN’s Simon Boyce reports on the state of Venezuela’s economy as authorities put the onus on citizens.
The Venezuelan government is negotiating with the U.S. to end a crippling economic crisis that has resulted in hyperinflation and widespread food shortages.
Here are some facts about the country’s controversial president.
What’s his background?
Venezuela’s President Nicolas Maduro takes a break during the closing ceremony of the Mercosur regional trade bloc in Maracaibo, Venezuela, June 1, 2017.
The fourth youngest of 14 children, Maduro was born in the city of La Guaira to a poor oil worker family.
After rising to the position of vice president, Maduro led a campaign to unseat his predecessor, the late Hugo Chavez, in 2013.
Maduro won the presidency after defeating opposition leader Henrique Capriles.
How did he become president?
Venezuela’s President Nicolas Maduro takes a break during the closing ceremony of the Mercosur regional trade bloc in Maracaibo, Venezuela, June 1, 2017.
Despite accusations by his rivals that he stole the election, the president secured the support of the ruling Socialist Party.
This was confirmed when Maduro’s highest-ranking ally, Diosdado Cabello, became vice president.
How has he handled the economic crisis?
Venezuela’s President Nicolas Maduro arrives at a meeting with Venezuela’s Supreme Court of Justice to receive an approval to take a parallel move, in Caracas, Venezuela, June 1, 2017.
The socialist government has repeatedly blamed the country’s economic woes on an “economic war” led by capitalists and Colombian paramilitaries.
Many economists believe the crisis is caused by mismanagement and sanctions.
Venezuela’s President Nicolas Maduro heads to a meeting with Venezuela’s Supreme Court of Justice to receive approval to take a parallel move, in Caracas, Venezuela, June 1, 2017.
Maduro has been accused of using populist rhetoric to protect socialist political policies, including a poorly constructed currency exchange mechanism.
Even the Catholic Church has spoken out against Maduro.
What are the opposition’s chances in the upcoming elections?
Venezuela’s President Nicolas Maduro arrives at a meeting with Venezuela’s Supreme Court of Justice to receive approval to take a parallel move, in Caracas, Venezuela, June 1, 2017.
Opposition leaders have called for the president to resign or call early elections.
Maduro blames a “fascist” plot and says elections would not be free or fair.
The opposition says it has enough support to win a new round of parliamentary elections in late 2017.
The National Electoral Council delayed announcing the date of the vote to consult with the Catholic Church.
Is he popular?
Venezuela’s President Nicolas Maduro arrives at a meeting with Venezuela’s Supreme Court of Justice to receive approval to take a parallel move, in Caracas, Venezuela, June 1, 2017.
Maduro is one of the most disliked leaders in South America, a region used to more popular leftist leaders like Chavez.
Nearly six in 10 people in Venezuela disapprove of his performance, according to a Pew Research Center survey in February.
A smaller majority of Venezuelans say they have little or no faith in him to do the right thing.
Unemployment remains high and average family incomes have sunk by more than a quarter since 2011.
The benchmark U.S. Consumer Price Index (CPI) price index rose 6.3% in April, compared with the same month in 2016.
Why has he been considered a dictator?
Venezuela’s President Nicolas Maduro attends a meeting with Venezuela’s Supreme Court of Justice to receive approval to take a parallel move, in Caracas, Venezuela, June 1, 2017.
Venezuela’s government has been accused of serious human rights abuses, including jailing political opponents and violently repressing peaceful protests.
In September 2015, the National Assembly passed a resolution denouncing human rights violations under Maduro’s rule.
In April, 21 opposition lawmakers were arrested by military officials, including an employee of the state oil company.