5 things to know about Venezuelan President Maduro declaring Christmas in October

In his weekly television show, Maduro said “September smells like Christmas.” “This year and to honor you all, to thank you all, I am going to decree the beginning of Christmas on October 1. Christmas arrived for everyone, in peace, joy and security!,” Maduro said.

Maduro, who was born in a working-class Roman Catholic family, worked as a bus driver and was involved with Hugo Chávez’s United Socialist Party. Maduro rose through the party and achieved the ticket for Venezuela’s National Assembly in the year 2000.

But Chavez passed away in 2013 due to cancer and Maduro assumed the role of President. Though Maduro served as Vice President under Chavez (2012-13).

Since Venezuela has been broiled in national and political turmoil, the timing of the decision to prepone the Christmas is being looked upon as a tactic to divert the attention of public and media from the core issue of electoral fraud.

Maduro has even got the opposition leader and former presidential candidate Edmundo González arrested.

“We do condemn the arrest warrant for Edmundo Gonzalez for allegedly inciting violence,” State Department spokesperson Matthew Miller told reporters.” Venezuela has been a major exporter of oil but has been reeling under economic instability due to weak leadership leading the nation.