Is Delcy Rodriguez now Venezuela's Interim President after Maduro's alleged capture?
Synopsis
Key Takeaways
Caracas, January 4 (NationPress) - Venezuela's Supreme Court has appointed Vice President Delcy Rodriguez as the Interim President, just a day after the United States launched an attack on the South American country and allegedly 'captured' President Nicolas Maduro along with his wife.
The Constitutional Chamber ruled that Rodriguez would assume the presidency to ensure the nation's administrative continuity and safety.
According to the Supreme Court, 'The office of President of the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela is tasked with ensuring administrative continuity and the comprehensive defense of the Nation.'
The court also mentioned plans to establish a legal framework that secures state continuity, government functionality, and sovereignty protection, given the President's 'forced absence.'
At 56, Rodriguez is a significant figure in Venezuela's socialist system. A trusted ally of Maduro, she has served as Vice President, Finance Minister, and Oil Minister, gaining substantial economic clout as the nation endures US sanctions and rampant inflation.
Maduro has characterized her as a 'tiger' for her fervent defense of his administration. Born in Caracas, Rodriguez is the daughter of Jorge Antonio Rodriguez, a leftist guerrilla leader and founder of the Liga Socialista party.
She is an alumna of the Central University of Venezuela, where she studied law, and has risen rapidly through the political landscape over the past decade.
In June 2018, Maduro designated Rodriguez as Vice President, making the announcement on X and describing her as 'a young woman, brave, seasoned, daughter of a martyr, revolutionary, and proven in countless battles.'
In August 2024, Maduro expanded Rodriguez's duties by assigning her the oil ministry, giving her oversight of the escalating US sanctions affecting Venezuela's key industry.
She has also assumed the position of the nation's chief economic authority.
Currently, US President Donald Trump has stated that Maduro's Vice President, Delcy Rodriguez, who took the oath as his successor, remains in her role.
'She's essentially willing to do what we believe is necessary to restore Venezuela's greatness,' Trump remarked.
In a vigorous counterstatement, Rodriguez accused the US of aggression, asserting, 'This regime change would also enable 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.