Khaberni - The arrest of Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro and his wife Celia Flores, during a swift American military operation at night, caused a massive shock on the international scene, after the American elite "Delta Force" raided their "fortress" in the capital Caracas and arrested them and transferred them by air outside the country, to stand trial in the US court on charges related to drug trafficking.
In the hours following the international arrest, the focus was on Maduro's habits and lifestyle and his wife, his life partner and also his partner in power, along with the history of the Miraflores Palace in Caracas, the presidential residence which has been a symbol of power in Venezuela for more than a century and a half.
Maduro's favorite popular meals
Although it is difficult to identify the favorite meals of presidents around the world in particular, Maduro made sure in September (September) 2024 to share a video while eating a popular meal with his wife Celia Flores and despite the simple style of his food, he faced harsh criticisms at that time.
The dish included pasta with black beans, cheese, and slices of fried bananas, a popular meal in Venezuela but considered a strange mixture in other cultures.
Maduro commented on the video expressing his gratitude for the beans given to him from the "La Ruta de la Mandarina" area in Miranda state, saying the meal was prepared by his wife and could not be any better, and he tried to show the simplicity of his lifestyle and his closeness to the people, but the clip completely triggered opposite reactions.
Social media users described Maduro as a "culinary criminal," while others reminded of the lavish feasts enjoyed by the president from the people's money.
One of the followers commented sarcastically that they should get used to eating on trays, as this is the way food is served in prisons, referring to the accusations against him of hiding the results of the July 28 (July) 2024 elections to stay in power, while many considered the video a provocation to the Venezuelans who suffer from poverty and lack of food, while the president tries to suggest a simple life that everyone sees as unrealistic.
A lifestyle oscillating between luxury and simplicity
As a head of state, Nicolas Maduro has maintained carefully selected appearances, mostly appearing in formal occasions in classic suits, while his wife Celia also made sure to support him at every event.
On his part, Maduro preferred a simple style when appearing in ordinary photos, between shirts and t-shirts and even sport suits and coats belonging to the middle classes, and his informal looks were considered by some as an appeasement from the government to the people, to appear as "one of the people".
Celia Flores also followed a similar style, with carefully studied appearances that formed a harmonious duo with her husband, alternating between luxurious, formal, and simple appearances, depending on the occasion.
History and grandeur of Miraflores Palace
Miraflores Palace is located northwest of the capital Caracas, where the Venezuelan president carries out his official duties, delivers speeches, and receives diplomatic delegations.
The construction of the building began in 1893 on land known as "La Triá", under the supervision of the Italian engineer Count Giuseppe Orsi di Mombello, who worked on several construction projects during the reign of President Joaquin Crespo.
The palace was designed in a style resembling European palaces, adopting a quadrilateral shape with rooms revolving around a central courtyard surrounded by arcades.
Windows and architectural details gave the building a New Baroque French architectural character from the late 19th century, where Catalan sculptors and decorators carried out the internal details under the supervision of architect Juan Bautista Sales.
The official halls contain furniture from the 18th and 19th centuries, and are decorated with murals by artist Arturo Michelena and works by the Spaniard Juan de Oñate.
The halls include the Ambassadors' Salon, Boyacá, Vargas, Sun of Peru, Ayacucho, Joaquin Crespo, and the Hall of Mirrors, the chapel, and the president's office.
General Crespo died before seeing the palace completed in 1899, to begin its use as a presidential residence since 1900.
Miraflores Palace remains a witness to the successive events in Venezuela, while political circles wonder about the fate of this residence after the arrest of Maduro and the future of power in the country.
