Maduro rejects Trump's 'monroe' pressure in New Year's speech?; 'Independence from doctrines...'

Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro said in a New Year address that the country is overcoming a decade of international sanctions and is now in a strong position to face future challenges. Maduro pledged to boost economic growth, strengthen military and technical development, and defend national sovereignty against what he called external “imperial threats.” He expressed confidence in Venezuela’s trajectory heading into 2026 and closed his speech with a message of unity and peace.