When US forces conducted a night raid on Caracas, they didn't just apprehend President Nicolás Maduro; they arrested his wife, Cilia Flores. Now, at 69, Flores has been cast from a once-powerful political figure to facing drug trafficking and weapons charges.
Flores has been a significant political player in Venezuela for decades, especially as she led Venezuela's National Assembly and helped consolidate Maduro's power following Chávez's death in 2013. Although she portrayed a family-friendly image as 'First Warrior,' many believe she was a key adviser to Maduro during challenging times.
Facing corruption allegations and drug-associated family members, Flores's charges reflect the broader corruption within the Venezuelan government. As she prepares for trial, her influence and role during the Maduro regime remains a topic of intense debate.
Flores met Maduro in the 1990s while defending military officers from a failed coup. Their relationship blossomed into marriage after Chávez's presidency, intertwining their fates in the Chavismo movement. Critics cite her as a primary power behind the throne, unseen yet influential.
As she confronts severe charges in court next week, her journey illustrates the collapse of a once-influential political biography.
