Venezuela’s Delcy Rodríguez has assumed the role of the nation’s top leader following the US capture of Nicolás Maduro. The official presidential website of Venezuela now identifies her as the interim president.
Recent images and statements released to the media depict Rodríguez presiding over an urgent meeting of the Council of Ministers in Caracas. This session marked her inaugural cabinet meeting as the acting president of the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela.
In an official online message, Rodríguez expressed her desire to establish cooperative relations with the US, extending an invitation for collaboration on mutually beneficial development initiatives within the bounds of international law. She criticized the US for what she labeled as the “kidnapping” of Maduro and his spouse, denouncing it as an unlawful act of aggression.
Despite these developments, no formal swearing-in ceremony has been broadcast on state television, and Rodríguez refrained from explicitly declaring herself as the interim leader during a televised speech. While the on-screen identification labeled her as vice-president, there was no indication of a political transition or change in leadership.
Rodríguez rebuffed Donald Trump’s assertion that she would cooperate with the US, condemning the actions against Venezuela as a violation of international law. She vowed that those responsible for the armed aggression would face consequences in due course.
In response, US President Trump cautioned that failure to comply with his demands would result in severe repercussions for Rodríguez. He expressed interest in gaining full access to Venezuela’s resources and infrastructure, echoing sentiments shared by Secretary of State Marco Rubio, who questioned the legitimacy of Rodríguez’s administration due to concerns over the electoral process in Venezuela.
Rodríguez’s appointment comes amidst legal proceedings initiated by the US against Maduro, his spouse, and four others on charges of narco-terrorism conspiracy, as disclosed by US Attorney General Pam Bondi. The indictment includes additional accusations such as cocaine importation conspiracy, possession of firearms, and conspiracy to possess destructive devices.
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