Nicolas Maduro, Venezuela's president since 2013, rose through the ranks of Hugo Chavez's government, succeeding him after his death. Maduro's presidency has been marked by economic collapse, hyperinflation, shortages, alleged rigged elections, and human rights abuses, leading to millions of emigrants and international sanctions. He began a third term in January 2025 after a disputed election. A UN mission cited crimes against humanity by the National Guard, while opposition leader Maria Corina Machado received the Nobel Peace Prize.