CARACAS, January 10, 2024 — Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro is reportedly maintaining a calm demeanor and expressing confidence in his government despite being detained by U.S. authorities, according to his son, Nicolás Maduro Guerra. The younger Maduro shared details of a recent phone conversation with his father, who is being held in a Manhattan prison.
A Father’s Reassurance From Behind Bars
The Venezuelan president, facing drug trafficking charges, conveyed a message of unity and trust to his son during a recent phone call.
- Nicolás Maduro Sr. inquired about the state of Venezuela during the call.
- He expressed approval of his government’s actions, stating they are “doing exactly what you’re supposed to do.”
- Maduro Sr. discussed a potential amnesty law, suggesting it could apply to both the opposition and government officials.
Maduro Guerra, a deputy in the Venezuelan National Assembly, recounted being in a parliamentary session on Wednesday when his phone rang. “My legs gave way,” he admitted, describing his initial reaction to seeing his father’s number appear on the caller ID.
The conversation, described as “long and detailed,” began with Maduro Sr. asking about “the Motherland.” After hearing his son’s response, he reportedly assessed the government’s performance in Caracas with a firm, “You guys are doing exactly what you’re supposed to do and taking the right steps.”
What is the Venezuelan government’s position on the arrest of President Maduro? Caracas has vehemently denounced the arrest as a kidnapping and is demanding his immediate release.
Despite his confinement, Maduro Sr. appeared remarkably composed, attributing his peace of mind to “the unity of the people, the country’s leadership and its team, which is the team of the homeland.” He expressed complete faith in his team’s ability to govern in his absence.
The conversation wasn’t solely focused on politics. The two Maduros also discussed baseball, with Maduro Jr. informing his father about the Navegantes del Magallanes’ victory in the Venezuelan Professional Baseball League. Maduro Sr.’s reaction was enthusiastic, exclaiming, “Damn, what a mess!” with a laugh.
Turning to the topic of the amnesty law currently being promoted by Venezuelan authorities, Maduro Sr. offered a surprising perspective, according to his son: “They will amnesty not only them (the oppositionists), but also us.” This statement potentially hints at a willingness to consider reciprocal concessions or a broader political agreement.
Sources cited by Reuters previously reported that Caracas hopes the amnesty of political opponents will contribute to Maduro Sr.’s release. He was captured on the night of January 3 on drug trafficking charges.
