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How Long Has Maduro Been in Power |
Discover how long Maduro has been in power as Venezuela’s president, tracing his rise from 2013 to recent dramatic events in 2026, including claims he was captured.
Understanding how long has Maduro been in power means tracing the political rise and the highly controversial leadership of President Maduro, one of the most polarizing figures in recent Venezuelan history. From inheriting Hugo Chávez’s political mantle to a disputed third term and dramatic events in 2026, Maduro’s tenure reflects deep divisions within Venezuela and among global powers.
Below is a comprehensive, up-to-date overview that clearly explains his time in office, the controversies surrounding his presidency, and the latest developments affecting his leadership.
Key Summary
- Nicolás Maduro became president in 2013, following Hugo Chávez’s death.
- He has been in power for nearly 13 years up to early 2026.
- His rule has included multiple elections, international disputes, and serious economic crises.
- In January 2026 reports emerged claiming Maduro was captured in a U.S. military operation, raising questions about his de facto power.
Who Is Nicolás Maduro?
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| How Long Has Maduro Been in Power |
Nicolás Maduro Moros is a Venezuelan politician who has served as President of Venezuela since 2013. Before taking office, he held key roles such as foreign minister and vice president. He belonged to the United Socialist Party of Venezuela (PSUV), the political party founded by his predecessor, Hugo Chávez.
Maduro’s political identity is deeply tied to Chavismo—the socialist ideology of Chávez that sought greater state control of the economy, redistribution of wealth, and resistance to U.S. influence.
How Long Has Maduro Been President?
From Chávez Successor to Longest-Serving Leader
Nicolás Maduro first assumed office on April 19, 2013, after winning a special election held following Hugo Chávez’s death earlier that year.
From April 2013 until early January 2026, that amounts to:
Almost 13 years in power.
Here’s how that time breaks down:
| Term | Years in Office |
|---|---|
| 1st Term (2013–2019) | 6 years |
| 2nd Term (2019–2025) | 6 years |
| Third Term (2025–2026)* | ~1 year before reported capture |
Note: His third term was disputed and led to international disagreement over legitimacy.
This makes him one of the longest-serving leaders in Venezuelan history, eclipsing even the era of his mentor, Chávez, who was president for 14 years but without such disputed elections and intense external pressure.
How Long Has Maduro Been President (vs. How Long in Power)?
There’s an important nuance between:
- How long Maduro has been president (official tenure)
- How long he’s effectively exercised power (including contested periods and international disputes)
Officially, Maduro’s presidency began in 2013. However, his grip on power was often challenged domestically and internationally, especially after the 2018 and 2024 elections, which many observers deemed irregular.
Because of these complexities, some countries have refused to recognize his leadership, a factor that’s central to understanding his tenure.
Key Milestones in Maduro’s Presidency
2013: First Victory and Inheritance of Chávez’s Legacy
Maduro succeeded Hugo Chávez after his death and narrowly won the April 2013 presidential election.
2018: Controversial Re-Election
His 2018 re-election sparked institutional crises and widespread international criticism, with many claiming the vote lacked transparency.
2024: Disputed Third Term and Ongoing Unrest
In 2024, Maduro claimed victory in another deeply contested election. His inauguration took place in January 2025, but opposition leaders and some foreign governments rejected the result.
Despite international contention, Maduro continued to assert authority domestically.
What Venezuela Looks Like Under Maduro
Maduro’s presidency has been defined by deep economic and political stress. Key developments include:
- Economic collapse and hyperinflation
- Dramatic fall in oil revenues and GDP
- Mass migration of Venezuelans abroad
- Crackdowns on opposition and protests
These factors intensified internal divides and strained relations with Western nations, especially the United States.
Has Maduro Been Captured?
Latest 2026 Developments
On January 3, 2026, major international news outlets reported that the United States launched a significant military operation in Venezuela that resulted in claims that President Maduro and his wife were captured and flown out of the country.
President Donald Trump publicly stated that U.S. forces had detained Maduro, citing security concerns and long-standing indictments.
However:
- Venezuelan officials have challenged the narrative and demanded proof of life.
- Independent verification from neutral observers has been limited amid the unfolding crisis.
- International reactions range from support for a political solution to condemnation of the U.S. strikes.
Given this, global news and expert voices continue to monitor the situation closely as legitimacy and authority hang in the balance.
International Reactions to Maduro’s Leadership and Capture
Mixed Global Responses
The reaction to Maduro’s extended rule and recent alleged capture is complex:
- Some nations have backed the U.S. action, framing it as a necessary step against alleged criminal activities linked to Maduro’s regime.
- Countries like Germany and others have urged political dialogue and respect for sovereignty.
These responses reflect the high stakes of Venezuelan leadership for both geopolitics and regional stability.
What Comes Next for Venezuela’s Presidency?
With reports of Maduro’s capture and transfer to U.S. custody in early 2026, Venezuela now faces:
- Uncertain governance structures
- Questions about legitimate presidential power
- Potential shifts toward interim or transitional leadership
Acting officials like Delcy Rodríguez—listed as acting president—enter the picture as institutional frameworks adjust.
This marks a historic turning point for the Venezuelan presidency and how authority is recognized both domestically and internationally.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
How long has Maduro been president of Venezuela?
Maduro has served as Venezuela’s president from April 2013 to January 2026, amounting to nearly 13 years.
Why is his presidency controversial?
Multiple elections under Maduro have been criticized by international observers for irregularities and repression of the political opposition.
Was Maduro captured?
In early January 2026, major reports indicate that U.S. forces captured Maduro, but verification and official confirmations remain contested.
What happens to his presidency now?
Following reports of capture, Venezuela’s vice president has been noted as acting president, but the political future remains uncertain amid international diplomatic pressure.
Stay informed with trusted news sources and international affairs updates to understand how Venezuela’s leadership transition continues to unfold. If you’re interested in global political analysis, subscribe to expert briefings or follow authoritative outlets like BBC World News, Reuters, and Al Jazeera for developments.
Conclusion
How long has Maduro been in power? From 2013 to early 2026 — nearly 13 years — Nicolás Maduro’s presidency has been marked by economic turmoil, contested elections, and intense international scrutiny. Recent claims of his capture in January 2026 add another dramatic chapter to one of the most controversial leadership tenures in the Americas.
Whether Maduro’s rule will ever fully be recognized in hindsight remains uncertain, but the magnitude of his time in office and its consequences will be studied for years to come.
