Venezuelan politician Delcy Rodríguez has assumed the country’s top position following the US capture of Nicolás Maduro. The official presidential website of Venezuela has designated her as the interim leader.
Recent images and press releases depict Rodríguez presiding over an urgent meeting of the Council of Ministers in Caracas. Sources confirmed that this session marked her first cabinet meeting as the acting president of Venezuela.
In a public statement, Rodríguez expressed her intention to establish cordial relations with the US and extended an invitation for collaborative efforts towards mutual development within the boundaries of international law.
Referring to Maduro’s removal as a “temporary absence,” Rodríguez condemned the US for the purported “kidnapping” of the ousted President and his spouse, denouncing it as an unlawful act of aggression.
Although there has been no formal inauguration ceremony broadcasted on state television, Rodríguez refrained from openly declaring herself as the interim leader during a televised speech. She was still identified as the vice-president, and there was no indication of a political transition at the highest level.
Disputing Donald Trump’s assertions of cooperation, Rodríguez emphasized that the actions taken against Venezuela violate international law. She avowed that those responsible for the armed aggression would be held accountable by history and justice.
President Trump cautioned that if Rodríguez does not comply, she will face severe consequences, potentially exceeding those faced by Maduro. He expressed a desire for unrestricted access to Venezuela’s resources and infrastructure.
These statements came amid US Secretary of State Marco Rubio’s comments questioning the legitimacy of Rodríguez and her government due to concerns over the lack of free and fair elections in Venezuela.
Rodríguez’s appointment follows the apprehension of President Nicolas Maduro, his spouse, and others on allegations of narco-terrorism conspiracy and related charges, as disclosed in documents shared online by US Attorney General Pam Bondi.
In addition to the narco-terrorism accusation, the indictment lists four other charges, including conspiracy for cocaine importation, possession of firearms, and involvement in the conspiracy to possess firearms and destructive devices.