What's happened
Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro has announced an early start to Christmas celebrations on October 1, amid ongoing political turmoil following a contested election. Critics argue this move is a distraction from the country's severe economic and social issues, including widespread poverty and protests against his regime.
Why it matters
What the papers say
The New York Times highlights the absurdity of the situation, stating, 'What’s a president to do? Declare the early arrival of Christmas, of course.' Meanwhile, Sky News notes that Maduro's announcement has been criticized by the Venezuelan Episcopal Conference, which stated that Christmas should not be politicized. The Guardian emphasizes the political implications, suggesting that this is a tactic to distract from the ongoing crisis, while the South China Morning Post captures public skepticism, with citizens questioning the viability of celebrating amidst economic despair.
How we got here
Maduro's announcement comes after a disputed presidential election in July, which has led to protests and international condemnation. The country faces a dire economic crisis, with a minimum wage of just $3.55 per month, exacerbating public discontent.
Common question
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Why has Maduro declared an early Christmas amid ongoing crises in Venezuela?
Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro's recent announcement of an early Christmas celebration has raised eyebrows amid the country's severe economic and social challenges. As citizens grapple with poverty and political unrest, many are questioning the motives behind this unusual declaration. Below, we explore the implications of this decision and the current state of affairs in Venezuela.
More on these topics
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Venezuela, officially the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela, is a country on the northern coast of South America, consisting of a continental landmass and many small islands and islets in the Caribbean Sea.
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Nicolás Maduro Moros is a Venezuelan politician serving as president of Venezuela since 2013. His presidency has been disputed by Juan Guaidó since January 2019, although Maduro is the real president.