The Venezuelan military recognizes Dilsley Rodriguez as the country's interim president
In a dramatic turn of events in Caracas's political landscape, Venezuelan Defense Minister General Vladimir Padrino López announced on Sunday that the military officially recognizes Vice President Delcy Rodríguez as the country's interim president. This decisive announcement comes a day after a US special forces operation that resulted in the capture of President Nicolás Maduro, plunging the country into a new historical juncture.
Details of the military declaration and the constitutional position
In a televised statement, the defense minister explained that the decision was based on a Supreme Court ruling late Saturday night, which mandated that Delcy Rodríguez assume power for 90 days to ensure the continued functioning of state institutions. Padrino López, in his statement, demanded the release of detained President Nicolás Maduro and strongly condemned what he described as the "cold-blooded" killing of several members of the presidential guard during the US operation.
Background to the tension and escalation of the crisis
This event cannot be separated from the context of the long-standing and escalating tension between Caracas and Washington. Relations between the two countries have been steadily deteriorating over the years, punctuated by harsh economic sanctions and intense diplomatic pressure exerted by the United States against the Maduro government. Venezuela, which possesses the world's largest oil reserves, is an arena for international geopolitical rivalries, and the country has suffered from economic crises and hyperinflation that have directly impacted the lives of its citizens.
Calls to resume normal life
In an attempt to reassure the Venezuelan public and prevent a descent into chaos, Defense Minister Vladimir Padrino López urged citizens to immediately resume their normal lives. In his address, the minister stated, "I call upon the Venezuelan people to resume all their activities—economic, professional, and educational—in the coming days." This statement reflects the desire of the military establishment, considered the most powerful player in the Venezuelan equation, to maintain public order and prevent a security vacuum or economic collapse following the airstrikes and military operation.
Expected effects of the transitional phase
Delcy Rodríguez's assumption of power, even temporarily, represents a true test of the cohesion of Venezuela's ruling coalition. Attention is now focused on regional and international reactions, particularly from Venezuela's traditional allies, and how the international community will engage with the new leadership. The coming period will be crucial in determining the country's political future and whether this transition will pave the way for new elections or fundamentally reshape the political landscape of Latin America.
