Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro has decreed that Christmas will officially start in October this year, aiming to spread peace and joy despite the country’s ongoing political turmoil. In his weekly television show, Maduro announced the decision to kick off the holiday season on October 1, much earlier than usual, in an effort to lift the nation’s spirits.
This decree comes in the wake of significant political unrest following July’s presidential election, where Maduro claimed victory for a third term amidst widespread skepticism. The opposition, led by Edmundo Gonzalez, has accused the president of stealing the election, with allegations backed by online vote tally sheets showing discrepancies.
Adding to the tensions, Venezuelan authorities have issued an arrest warrant for Gonzalez on terrorism-related charges, further deepening the political crisis. International pressure is mounting, with the U.S. and neighboring countries demanding transparency and access to detailed voting data. Meanwhile, U.S. authorities have also seized a plane used by Maduro for international travel in the Dominican Republic.