In Venezuela, amidst the ongoing political turmoil following a disputed presidential election, President Nicolás Maduro has surprisingly shifted the focus to an early start to the Christmas season. During his weekly television show, Maduro declared that this year, Christmas would officially begin on October 1st, citing the festive atmosphere already in the air in September.
Despite Maduro’s attempt to bring a sense of joy during these challenging times, not everyone is enthusiastic about the premature Christmas celebration. Some citizens, like 57-year-old office worker José Ernesto Ruiz, express skepticism and concerns about the feasibility of enjoying the holiday season amid economic hardships and the current political crisis.
This is not the first time Maduro has advanced the Christmas season; he did so during the COVID-19 pandemic but never this early. This year’s decision comes amidst heightened political tensions, with Maduro emphasizing a message of peace and security for the holiday period, despite the lack of transparency and international criticism surrounding the recent election results.
The opposition, led by former candidate Edmundo González, continue to dispute the election outcome, presenting their own electoral tallies indicating González received the majority of votes. However, a Venezuelan judge recently issued an arrest warrant for González, accusing him of various crimes, further fueling protests and government crackdowns on dissent.
The situation is dire for many Venezuelans, with over 2,000 arrests reported since the election, including journalists, politicians, and aid workers. The economic struggles persist, with stagnant wages and minimal government assistance, leaving citizens like 39-year-old secretary Inés Quevedo worried about their basic needs and skeptical about any potential Christmas bonuses.
The minimum wage in Venezuela remains unchanged since 2022, at 130 bolivars per month (around $3.55), supplemented by a modest food assistance bonus and government benefits for some. As the country grapples with political unrest and economic challenges, the prospect of an early Christmas fails to alleviate the hardships faced by many Venezuelans.
