lexpress.fr
Maduro's Enduring Grip on Power Amidst Venezuelan Crisis
Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro, despite facing economic collapse, international sanctions, and accusations of authoritarianism, has maintained power through control of the security forces, strategic negotiations, and cultivating religious support.
- How has Nicolas Maduro maintained power in Venezuela despite economic crisis, international sanctions, and accusations of authoritarianism?
- Nicolas Maduro, Venezuela's president, cultivates a down-to-earth image, contrasting with his authoritarian rule. Despite his claims of socialist ideals, he's implemented austerity measures, including eliminating import tariffs and dollarizing the economy to combat hyperinflation.
- What strategies has Maduro employed to balance his socialist rhetoric with neoliberal economic policies and maintain international relations?
- Maduro's political survival hinges on his control of the military and security forces, used to suppress dissent following contested elections in 2018 and 2024. He's also navigated international sanctions, an economic crisis, and corruption scandals while maintaining power.
- What are the long-term implications of Maduro's reliance on the military and security forces, and his cultivation of evangelical support for his political survival?
- Maduro's strategic maneuvering includes negotiating the lifting of US sanctions in 2024, securing the release of political prisoners, and cultivating support from evangelical churches. His actions suggest a pragmatic approach to maintaining his grip on power, despite facing significant internal and external pressures.
Cognitive Concepts
Framing Bias
The article's framing emphasizes Maduro's resilience and political skill in navigating crises. Phrases like "su maîtriser parfaitement", "il a su s'imposer", and "a réussi à survivre" portray him in a positive light, highlighting his strategic capabilities. While mentioning opposition accusations, the article doesn't offer equal weight to those criticisms, allowing the positive framing to dominate the narrative.
Language Bias
The article employs language that sometimes leans towards portraying Maduro favorably. The description of his communication style as "bien huilée" (well-oiled) and the use of terms like "super-héros indestructible" (indestructible superhero) are examples of positively charged language. In contrast, the opposition is simply labeled as "l'opposition" with less descriptive or nuanced language.
Bias by Omission
The article focuses heavily on Maduro's political maneuvering and survival strategies, but omits significant details about the Venezuelan people's experiences during the economic crisis and political repression. There is little mention of the human cost of his policies, or diverse perspectives from within the Venezuelan population beyond the opposition and Maduro himself. This omission limits the reader's ability to fully grasp the complex social and humanitarian realities of the situation.
False Dichotomy
The article presents a somewhat simplistic dichotomy between Maduro as a strongman leader who has overcome numerous challenges and the opposition which labels him a dictator. Nuances within the Venezuelan political landscape and the motivations of different actors are largely absent, reducing the issue to a simplistic us-versus-them narrative.
Gender Bias
The article mentions Maduro's wife, Cilia Flores, several times, but primarily in relation to her political role and proximity to Maduro. While her political career is detailed, there's no discussion of her personal views or experiences independent of her relationship to Maduro. This reinforces a gendered dynamic where her identity is largely defined by her connection to a powerful man.
Sustainable Development Goals
The article describes economic policies under Maduro that have led to a severe economic crisis, impacting social spending and increasing inequality. While Maduro's rhetoric is socialist, his actions, including cutting social programs and allowing dollarization to combat hyperinflation, have disproportionately harmed the most vulnerable populations, exacerbating existing inequalities.