Nicolas Maduro's Profile: Son of a Trade Union Leader Who Became President of Venezuela

YOGYAKARTA - The arrest of Venezuelan president Nicolas Maduro by the United States (US) military has become the focus of the world. The arrest took place on Saturday, January 3, in the early hours. Beyond the tragedy, the spotlight on Nicolas Maduro's profile is increasing. In addition to being known as the president of Vebezuela, who is he?

Nicolas Maduro Moros is a politician who was born in Caracas on November 23, 1962. He was born into a working-class family. His father was known as a trade union leader. Long before becoming president, Maduro had a variety of professions.

In fact, Maduro was once a bus driver during the leadership of military officer Hugo Chavez, who at that time attempted a coup in 1992, although he failed, Reuters reported.

As the son of a leader of the labor movement, Maduro does embrace a left-wing political consciousness. His activism in the political world began when he was a teenager. After completing his schooling, Maduro had political education in Cuba. After finishing, he returned to Venezuela and became a bus driver as well as active in the transport workers' union in his region.

Maduro's closeness to Hugo Chavez himself began in the 1990s. He even campaigned for the release of Chavez who was arrested in 1992. Then in 1994, when he was free, Maduro helped secure Chavez. Since then the two have become closer and have worked together.

Maduro's career in politics skyrocketed after Chavez's election was successful in 1998. At the same time, Maduro, who was a trade unionist, was then entrusted to lead the United Socialist Party of Venezuela (PSUV). Not only that, Maduro was also appointed as the Speaker of the Venezuelan Parliament for the period 2005 - 2006.

Not only sitting in the parliamentary seat, Maduro also served as Venezuela's foreign minister. During his tenure, he traveled around the world building international alliances through an aid program funded by the proceeds of Venezuela's oil.

In 2012, Maduro was trusted to accompany Chavez, who was his close friend as vice president. This appointment made Maduro continue to receive sympathy from the public.

Until 2013, Maduro managed to win the Venezuelan election by defeating Henrique Capriles Radonski. The votes obtained by the two were very thin, namely 50.6% for Maduro, and 49.1% for Henrique Capriles. Maduro's victory was also appreciated by Chavez. He even said that Maduro was the right figure as his successor.

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