Venezuela plunged into a state of deep political uncertainty this Saturday following the dramatic capture of its President, Nicolas Maduro, during a military operation conducted by the United States. With no clear succession plan immediately announced, the nation's Supreme Court swiftly intervened to fill the power vacuum.
Constitutional Transition Amid Chaos
In a move citing constitutional provisions for a president's absence, Venezuela's Supreme Court ordered Vice President Delcy Rodriguez to assume the role of interim president. This directive came hours after Maduro, along with his wife Cilia Flores, were detained by US forces. Rodriguez took charge of the government amidst the escalating crisis.
Demonstrating her new authority, Rodriguez chaired a meeting of the powerful National Defence Council on the same day. She was flanked by senior ministers and top military officials, presenting a united front. From this platform, she launched a fierce condemnation of the American action and demanded the immediate and unconditional release of Maduro and Flores.
Defiance and Diplomacy: Rodriguez's Dual Stance
In a televised address to the nation, the new interim leader labeled the early-morning strike a blatant violation of international law and an assault on Venezuela's sovereignty. She called on the Venezuelan people to remain united in the face of external aggression and urged fellow Latin American governments to reject what she termed the "use of force against a sovereign nation."
Striking a defiant tone, Rodriguez insisted that Nicolas Maduro remains the country's only legitimate president, despite his physical capture. "There is only one president in this country, and his name is Nicolas Maduro," she declared during the council meeting broadcast on state television.
However, a contrasting narrative emerged from Washington. Former US President Donald Trump told reporters that Rodriguez had shown a willingness to cooperate with the United States. He revealed she had engaged in lengthy discussions with Senator Marco Rubio and was prepared to do "whatever" the US needed. "I think she was quite gracious," Trump added, expressing caution about other potential successors.
Who is Delcy Rodriguez, Venezuela's New Interim Leader?
Delcy Rodriguez is no newcomer to the corridors of power in Caracas. A trained lawyer who studied at the Central University of Venezuela, she has been a senior figure in the Chavismo political movement for over two decades. She is widely regarded as one of Maduro's closest and most trusted political allies.
Her resume includes several powerful roles:
- She previously served as Venezuela's Foreign Minister, handling delicate international relations.
- Before becoming interim president, she oversaw critical economic portfolios, including finance and the vital oil sector.
- She is the sister of Jorge Rodriguez, the president of Venezuela's National Assembly.
Together, the Rodriguez siblings have been central figures in the government since the era of the late President Hugo Chavez. Her appointment as interim leader signals a attempt at continuity by the ruling establishment, even as the country faces one of its most profound crises. The world now watches to see how she navigates the immense challenges of leading a nation under such extraordinary circumstances.
