Nicolás Maduro on Hugo Chavez

Nicolás Maduro fundamentally views himself as the direct and loyal successor to Hugo Chávez, entrusted with carrying forward the Bolivarian Revolution. Maduro assumed the presidency immediately following Chávez’s death in 2013, having been explicitly named as the preferred successor by the late leader shortly before his final surgery. Maduro frequently capitalized on this endorsement, even claiming spiritual guidance from Chávez, such as stating a bird relayed a blessing from the deceased president on his campaign trail. His entire political legitimacy is built upon a direct continuation of Chávez's socialist and anti-imperialist ideology, despite later policy deviations under economic duress.

The framework for Maduro's rule—including his use of presidential decrees, the restructuring of democratic institutions, and the politicization of the armed forces—was initially established by Chávez. While some analysts suggest Maduro lacks his mentor's charisma and has governed incompetently, Maduro consistently maintains that he is protecting and advancing the foundational political project initiated by Chávez. This loyalty is essential for Maduro to maintain support from the ruling party and segments of the military that formed the core pillar of the late leader's power structure.