From Caracas bus driver to the 53rd president of Venezuela: The rise of Nicolás Maduro.

Countries & Cities · Published 29 September 2026 Swipe more like this →

In short: Nicolás Maduro rose from a working-class background as a bus driver to become the 53rd president of Venezuela, succeeding Hugo Chávez in 2013. His tenure, marked by economic collapse and authoritarian shifts, culminated in his 2026 capture by the United States during an intervention following years of intense international scrutiny.

Born in 1962 in Caracas, Maduro began his career as a bus driver and trade union leader before entering politics. His ascent was closely tied to Hugo Chávez, whom he supported after the 1992 coup attempts. Following his time as foreign minister from 2006 to 2012, Maduro was handpicked by Chávez as his successor. Upon Chávez's death in 2013, Maduro assumed the presidency, narrowly winning a special election against Henrique Capriles.

Maduro's governance saw a sharp decline in Venezuela's socioeconomic status, characterized by hyperinflation, severe shortages, and political repression. Analysts and international bodies, including the UN, have documented human rights abuses, including thousands of extrajudicial killings. To maintain power, Maduro relied on the Supreme Tribunal and the military, often ruling by decree and navigating constitutional crises, particularly after the opposition won the National Assembly in 2015.

Internationally, Maduro faced mounting pressure, including US sanctions and a 2020 indictment for narcoterrorism. Despite claims of electoral fraud in 2024, he remained in power until his 2026 capture by US forces. Following his detention, the United States announced plans to oversee Venezuela's transition to new leadership, marking a definitive end to his presidency and the era of his specific brand of Chavismo, known as Madurismo.

The transition of power was complex, involving deep ties to the Cuban government and internal rivalries within the United Socialist Party of Venezuela. While Maduro initially maintained support through high oil prices and state institutions, the subsequent economic collapse and international isolation forced a shift in policy. Ultimately, his administration's reliance on repression and the erosion of democratic norms defined his legacy, leading to the intervention that removed him from office.

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