Venezuela’s military has officially recognized Vice President Delcy Rodriguez as the acting leader of the country following the dramatic capture of President Nicolas Maduro by United States forces on March 5, 2023. In a statement, Defense Minister Vladimir Padrino Lopez supported a ruling from Venezuela’s Supreme Court that appointed Rodriguez as interim president for a period of 90 days.
Rodriguez, who has been serving as Maduro’s vice president since 2018, has played a crucial role in overseeing the nation’s oil-dependent economy and its intelligence services. The Supreme Court’s decision came as a response to the unprecedented military operation that took place in Caracas. Padrino Lopez emphasized the military’s commitment to the constitutional order during this transitional period.
In a televised address, Rodriguez condemned Maduro’s capture as “barbaric” and characterized it as an “illegal and illegitimate kidnapping.” She asserted that the actions of the United States represent a direct attack on Venezuela’s sovereignty and demanded the “immediate release” of Maduro and his wife, Cilia Flores. Despite her strong rhetoric, Rodriguez indicated a willingness to engage in dialogue with the U.S. government, stating, “Here, we have a government with clarity… we are willing to have respectful relations.”
The capture of Maduro has shifted the political landscape in Venezuela. Donald Trump, the former U.S. president, revealed that his administration had been in communication with Rodriguez, expressing optimism about her potential to lead the country towards a brighter future. He stated, “She’s essentially willing to do what we think is necessary to make Venezuela great again.” Trump also issued a warning to Rodriguez, suggesting that she would face significant consequences if she did not align with U.S. expectations.
U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio addressed the complexities of engaging with the Venezuelan government on a recent interview, highlighting the delicate nature of the conversations. He affirmed the U.S. government’s goals remain unchanged despite the changes in leadership, noting that past interactions with Maduro were unproductive.
As the political situation evolves, Maduro and Flores arrived in New York on March 5, where they are expected to face federal charges related to drug trafficking and connections with designated terrorist organizations. A video shared by a White House account showed Maduro being escorted through the office by two agents from the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration, who were seen holding his arms.
Padrino Lopez also reported that some of Maduro’s bodyguards were killed during the U.S. raid, although he did not provide specific figures regarding casualties or injuries among Venezuelan forces. He did confirm that some U.S. troops sustained injuries during the operation, but no fatalities were reported.
In response to the ongoing turmoil, Padrino Lopez called on Venezuelans to resume their daily activities, encouraging citizens to engage in economic, work, and educational pursuits in the days ahead. “The homeland must follow its constitutional course,” he stated, reinforcing a message of stability amidst the upheaval.
The international community is closely monitoring the developments in Venezuela, with implications for both regional stability and global oil markets. The U.S. has expressed interest in tapping into Venezuela’s vast oil reserves, which could shift dynamics in energy supply and geopolitical relations.
As the situation unfolds, Rodriguez’s leadership and her ability to navigate the challenges ahead will be critical for Venezuela’s future, as well as for the ongoing dialogue with the United States and the international community.
