Roger Waters Urges Venezuelans to Support Maduro in Controversial Election

British musician Roger Waters, co-founder of Pink Floyd, has publicly endorsed Nicolás Maduro ahead of Venezuela's upcoming presidential election, which critics label a sham. Known for his controversial views, including accusations of antisemitism and support for Hamas, Waters has a long history of backing Maduro's socialist regime. In a recent social media video, he called on Venezuelans to vote for Maduro, framing the election as a choice between the people and foreign interests, specifically targeting opposition candidate Edmundo González, who has been barred from running. Waters' support comes despite the dire humanitarian crisis in Venezuela, exacerbated by Maduro's policies. He dismissed the regime's failures, claiming it is "succeeding" and urging citizens to reject foreign influence, particularly from the United States. His message coincides with the July 28 election, where Maduro faces handpicked rivals, further raising concerns about the legitimacy of the electoral process. In a related development, the Maduro regime announced the distribution of a monetary bonus to citizens through its Fatherland platform, a system criticized for its social control mechanisms. The "Universal Giant Bonus," commemorating Venezuelan independence hero Simón Bolívar, is part of a broader strategy to maintain loyalty among the populace amid economic hardship. However, the stipend of approximately $4.50 is insufficient to meet basic needs, highlighting the ongoing struggles faced by Venezuelans. Waters' relationship with the Maduro regime has been marked by past meetings and gestures of appreciation, including a signed guitar from Maduro. His recent comments and the regime's financial initiatives underscore the complex dynamics of support and dissent in Venezuela's political landscape.