Delcy Rodriguez becomes interim president of Venezuela after Maduro's arrest
In a rapidly unfolding political development that has shaken the Venezuelan and international landscape, Venezuela's Supreme Court issued an order on Saturday appointing Vice President Delcy Rodríguez as interim president. This decisive ruling came after the United States announced the arrest of President Nicolás Maduro and his transfer to US soil, an unprecedented move that opens the door to multiple scenarios for the country's future.
Details of the constitutional decision
The Constitutional Chamber of the Supreme Court explained in an official statement that this measure is intended to ensure the continuity of state institutions. The decision stipulates that "Rodríguez, as the responsible party, assumes all responsibilities, duties, and powers vested in the office of President of the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela, with the aim of guaranteeing the continuity of administration and the overall defense of the homeland.".
It is worth noting that the judges of the court avoided at this stage declaring President Maduro “permanently absent,” which is an accurate legal description, since declaring permanent absence would have constitutionally required calling for early presidential elections within 30 days, which the current authorities seem to be seeking to postpone or avoid under the current circumstances.
Maduro arrives in New York
On the ground, international news agencies confirmed Nicolás Maduro's arrival in the United States. Footage showed Maduro disembarking from a plane at Stewart International Airport in upstate New York, surrounded by security personnel, following a swift military operation in Caracas. Maduro is expected to face serious charges in the US courts related to drug trafficking and "heinous terrorism," charges that the US Department of Justice has brought against him and several other high-ranking Venezuelan officials since 2020.
Background of the US-Venezuelan conflict
This event is not a spontaneous occurrence, but rather the culmination of years of escalating tensions between Washington and Caracas. Since Maduro assumed power following the death of Hugo Chávez in 2013, the United States has imposed a series of harsh economic sanctions on Venezuela, targeting the vital oil sector and key government figures. Washington accuses the Maduro regime of undermining democracy, violating human rights, and causing an economic collapse that has led to the exodus of millions of Venezuelans.
Who is Delcy Rodriguez?
Delcy Rodríguez, who will assume power, is considered one of the most powerful and loyal figures in the Chavista movement. She previously served as foreign minister and president of the Constituent Assembly and is known for her hardline stance against US policies. Observers believe her appointment aims to unify the ruling party's supporters and prevent defections within the military and security forces in Maduro's absence.
Expected repercussions
This sudden change places Venezuela at a dangerous crossroads. On the one hand, Maduro's arrest could provoke angry reactions from Venezuela's international allies, particularly Russia, China, and Cuba, who have long supported his continued rule. On the other hand, the country could experience internal unrest if the opposition attempts to exploit the political vacuum, leaving the entire region on tenterhooks as to what the coming days will bring in terms of geopolitical shifts.
