CARACAS, (Reuters) – President Nicolas Maduro has spent more than 500 hours addressing Venezuela since winning power nearly three years ago, demonstrating a loquacity reminiscent of his late predecessor Hugo Chavez, according to a watchdog.
The tally, from the local Citizens’ Monitor group which is critical of the government, was based on Maduro’s so-called “chain” speeches, when all local broadcasters are required to transmit his words live.
Counting other speeches, carried only by state TV, the 53-year-old former bus driver and foreign minister has in fact spent far more time giving public addresses.
“In the first few weeks of this year, he surpassed 500 hours,” the group said this week in a blog. “Every time the presidency holds a ‘chain’, they are denying Venezuelans their control over freedom of information and entertainment.”
