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Venezuela's Delcy Rodriguez Named Interim President After Maduro's Capture

Venezuela's Supreme Court has directed Vice President Delcy Rodriguez to assume the role of Interim President following the reported capture of President Nicolas Maduro by the United States. The court's ruling aims to guarantee administrative continuity and national defense during what it calls the president's "forced absence." Rodriguez, a longtime confidante of Maduro who has held key economic portfolios, has fiercely rejected the US action as an aggression aimed at seizing Venezuela's resources. Despite being installed as successor by US authorities, Rodriguez has defiantly declared that Nicolas Maduro remains the country's only legitimate president.

Key Points: Delcy Rodriguez Appointed Venezuela's Interim President

  • Supreme Court orders interim presidency
  • Rodriguez is a Maduro loyalist
  • US sanctions and aggression cited
  • Sovereignty and resources at stake
2 min read

Delcy Rodriguez appointed Venezuela's Interim President after Maduro's 'capture'

Following the capture of Nicolas Maduro, Venezuela's Supreme Court appoints loyalist Delcy Rodriguez as interim president to ensure state continuity.

"There is only one president in this country, and his name is Nicolas Maduro. - Delcy Rodriguez"

Caracas, Jan 4

Venezuela's Supreme Court has directed Vice President Delcy Rodriguez to take charge as the Interim President, a day after the US attacked the South American nation and "captured" President Nicolas Maduro and his wife.

The Constitutional Chamber, in a ruling after the attack, stated that Rodriguez would assume the presidency to maintain the nation's administrative continuity and safety.

"The office of President of the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela, in order to guarantee administrative continuity and the comprehensive defence of the Nation," the Supreme Court said.

The court stated that it would further consider how to establish a legal framework that ensures the continuity of the state, the functioning of the government, and the protection of sovereignty in light of the President of the Republic's "forced absence".

Rodriguez, 56, is a key player within Venezuela's socialist framework. A loyal confidante of Maduro, she has occupied the roles of Vice President, Finance Minister, and Oil Minister, amassing significant economic influence as the nation faced US sanctions and soaring inflation.

Maduro has previously referred to her as a 'tiger' for her vigorous defence of his regime. A native of Caracas, Rodriguez is the daughter of Jorge Antonio Rodriguez, a leftist guerrilla leader and the founder of the Liga Socialista party.

She pursued a law degree at the Central University of Venezuela, according to CNN, and has ascended swiftly through the political ranks over the last ten years.

In June 2018, Maduro appointed Rodriguez as Vice President, making the announcement on X and highlighting her as "a young woman, brave, seasoned, daughter of a martyr, revolutionary, and proven in countless battles."

In August 2024, Maduro expanded Rodriguez's responsibilities by adding the oil ministry, charging her with overseeing the growing US sanctions imposed on Venezuela's crucial industry.

She has also taken on the role of the nation's chief economic authority.

For now, US President Donald Trump said that he has left Maduro's Vice President Delcy Rodriguez, who was sworn in as his successor, in place.

"She's essentially willing to do what we think is necessary to make Venezuela great again", Trump said.

Rodriguez, however, in a fierce rebuttal, accused the US of aggression and said, "This regime change would also allow for the seizure of our energy, mineral, and natural resources"

"There is only one president in this country, and his name is Nicolas Maduro", she declared.

- IANS

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Reader Comments

S
Sarah B
While the US action is extreme, let's not forget the suffering of the Venezuelan people under Maduro's regime. Hyperinflation, shortages... the people deserve better leadership. Hopefully, this interim phase leads to stability and relief for citizens.
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Priya S
Rodriguez calling the US out for wanting to seize their natural resources is the key point here. We've seen this playbook before. It's never about democracy, it's about oil and minerals. Her loyalty to Maduro is commendable in this situation.
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Rohit P
Trump saying "make Venezuela great again" and thinking he can install a puppet is peak arrogance. The Supreme Court's move to ensure administrative continuity is correct. Foreign intervention always creates a bigger mess.
K
Karthik V
As an Indian, this feels uncomfortably familiar to the era of colonialism. Strong nations imposing their will on weaker ones for resources. The international community must speak up. The UN seems silent as usual.
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Meera T
Respectfully, while opposing US intervention is right, we must also hope this leads to a government that prioritizes its people's welfare. The Venezuelan economy has been in shambles for years. Maybe a change, even if forced, can bring some positive development? Just a thought.
D
David E

We welcome thoughtful discussions from our readers. Please keep comments respectful and on-topic.

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