Nicolas Maduro has on several occasions been photographed wearing a tracksuit that is embroidered with the tricolor of the Venezuelan flag. More than a fashion choice, it seemingly forms part of his political identity and something bequeathed him from his mentor, Hugo Chávez. A lot can be said about how Maduro rules Venezuela and his link with Chávez’s revolutionary ideas by the style of his dresser.
The symbolism behind the tracksuit
Maduro’s tracksuit becomes more than comfortable clothing; it becomes a strong symbol of his political persona. The bright colors and national symbols exude a sense of pride in Venezuelan identity, aligning him with the populist image that Chávez cultivated during his presidency. In wearing such attire, Maduro tries to present an amiable and relatable image before the common Venezuelan citizen, quite contrary to the suit-and-tie look most associated with political elites.
It’s especially strategic during public appearances and social programs because it really gives Maduro a “man of the people” feeling. This serves to underline his connections with grass-root movements and distinguish him strongly from traditional political elites. The tracksuit exudes a revolutionary attitude, it gives one the feeling that he is in touch with the plight of the common citizens, even as his government is overwhelmingly criticized for mismanaging the economy and a spate of human rights abuses.
Moreover, Maduro’s sartorial preference reflects that of Chávez’s own transformation of style. Chávez famously eschewed formal attire as part of his reformation of image from the military man into a populist president. That change was to appear working-class-friendly and appeal to the people in the rural areas, and Maduro has also followed suit in that aspect of his mentor’s image.
Hugo Chávez’s influence on Maduro’s image
The influence of Hugo Chávez over Nicolás Maduro extends far beyond the realm of fashion and into a broader ideological one. Chávez, president from 1999 until his death in 2013, built a political movement known as Chavismo that was centered around a left-wing ideology with an anti-imperialist foreign policy and, above all, close relations with the Venezuelan commoner. Maduro was one of Chávez’s closest allies, having served in a variety of top government posts, including vice president.
Since Chávez’s death, Maduro has portrayed himself as the rightful successor to his mentor’s legacy. Dressing informally, in a nod to Chávez’s style, he has been mimicking the man in an effort to continue the projection of continuity with Chavismo, trying to show that he is the true representative of Chávez’s revolutionary ideals, now more than ever as he tries to maneuver through a politically tumultuous landscape of opposition protests and international scrutiny.
The very dependence of Maduro on Chávez’s image was seen by many in the way he invokes in speeches and at public events the memory of Chávez time and again. He will often speak of their common vision for Venezuela, using imagery of Chávez as a prop to underpin his legitimacy. That association helps rally support from loyalists who remain true to Chávez’s memory despite widespread disillusionment with Maduro’s rule.
The tracksuit as a political tool
The tracksuit becomes a convenient prop for Maduro in today’s Venezuela, it’s a political tool. His appearance in informal wear in the middle of an economic deprivation period, with a rise in social unrest, diverts attention from several negative judgments over his authoritarian-type leadership and many questions regarding governance. The situation creates an illusion of approachability amidst the cruel situations that many Venezuelans go through: hyperinflation, food shortages, and political repression.
But more than that, it’s been a kind of short form for the propaganda apparatus of the state, always trying to project this false image of stability and resilience in the middle of chaos. Showing up in public in casual wear while courting supporters, Maduro tries to project an image of normalcy that veils the crises underneath within the country.
That has involved exploiting social media platforms like TikTok, in a move to speak with younger audiences over the recent years, all while donning, of course, his signature garb. All of which speaks to tactical strategy, one aimed at shoring up support from an ever-thinning base and projecting an image of vitality and engagement.
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