Who is Celia Flores, the Venezuelan First Lady detained by the US?

Who is Celia Flores, the Venezuelan First Lady detained by the US?

When the United States carried out a night raid on the Venezuelan capital, Caracas, they not only arrested Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro and put him on a ship bound for New York, but also his wife, Celia Flores. Celia Flores, 69, is seen as one of the most influential figures in Venezuela. She is a skilled political strategist herself. She has influenced the political trajectory and destiny of Venezuela for decades. After serving for many years in the country's National Assembly, she played a key role behind the scenes in helping her husband, Nicolas Maduro, to win the 2013 presidential election and consolidate his position. As the country's first lady, Maduro called her the "First Warrior." Although she was relatively quiet in public, critics said Celia Flores presented a family-oriented image that contrasted with the strict regime. Celia Flores hosted a TV show called "Con Celia en Familia" and was occasionally seen dancing salsa with her husband on state television. Behind the scenes, however, she is considered one of Maduro's main advisors and the main architect of how Maduro will stay in power.

Venezuela has been in turmoil for months since a failed coup in 1992. Several military commanders involved in the coup were jailed. Celia Flores has been accused of corruption and nepotism. In recent years, several members of her family have been convicted in US courts of cocaine trafficking.