Venezuelan leader Nicolás Maduro has ignited another wave of controversy on social media after sharing a video showcasing his "simple" Sunday meal with his wife. The dish in question includes macaroni mixed with black beans (caraotas), cheese, and fried plantains—a combination that many find unimaginable and a culinary offense to pasta enthusiasts, although Maduro claims it is a "delicious recipe."
The video was posted on his social media accounts as well as on Venezolana de Televisión (VTV). It aimed to highlight an alleged modest lifestyle, but it has faced harsh criticism from users who labeled Maduro a "culinary criminal" among other derogatory terms.
"They should eat from a tray, so they get used to how it's served in prison, because that's where they're headed," commented one user, referencing the alleged crimes Maduro is accused of, including hiding election records from July 28, 2024, to cling to power.
In the video, Maduro expressed gratitude for the beans gifted to him by the Comuna "La Ruta de la Mandarina" in the state of Miranda. "Venezuelan-made caraotas prepared by Cilita's hands. Couldn't be better!" he exclaimed, referring to his wife, Cilia Flores.
Public Backlash and Perceived Insensitivity
While attempting to show a connection with the people and humble tastes in his meal, the video quickly went viral for very different reasons. Some Venezuelans were reminded of the lavish feasts Maduro has enjoyed, funded by public money. Others highlighted the harsh reality of the country, where a significant portion of the population lives in poverty with limited access to basic food supplies.
The video featuring Maduro and Cilita was widely perceived as a mockery of the Venezuelan people, who are striving to remove him from power to end the widespread poverty and hunger. Despite his portrayal of a modest life, many argue it is far from the truth.