Who Is Delcy Rodriguez? Venezuela’s New Interim President After Maduro’s Arrest | World News
Venezuela’s Supreme Court appointed Vice President Delcy Rodríguez as Interim President, a day after the United States launched an attack on the South American country and claimed to have captured President Nicolás Maduro and his wife.
In its decision, the court said that Rodriguez would take on the task of keeping the government running and protecting the country during the crisis.
The move follows Venezuela’s constitution, which clearly states what happens in the absence of a president. Under Articles 233 and 234, the vice president assumes presidential duties whether the president’s absence is temporary or permanent, according to CNN.
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Who is Delcy Rodriguez?
Rodriguez is a senior leader of Venezuela’s socialist government and is 56 years old. A close ally of President Maduro, he has held several important positions, including Vice President, Minister of Finance, and Minister of Oil. Over the years, the country has gained strong control over economic policy while dealing with US sanctions and rising inflation.
Maduro has previously referred to him as a ‘tiger’ for his strong defense of his regime. A native of Caracas, Rodriguez is the daughter of leftist guerrilla leader and founder of the Liga Socialista party, Jorge Antonio Rodriguez.
He earned a law degree at the Central University of Venezuela and rose quickly through the political ranks over the past decade, according to CNN.
In June 2018, Maduro appointed Rodríguez as Vice President and made the announcement about X, emphasizing that she was “a brave, experienced young woman, the daughter of a martyr, a revolutionary and proven herself in countless wars.”
In August 2024, Maduro expanded Rodriguez’s responsibilities by adding the oil ministry and tasked him with overseeing increased US sanctions on Venezuela’s vital industry.
He also assumed the role of the country’s chief economic authority.
Trump Commented on Leadership Change in Venezuela
US President Donald Trump said he allowed Vice President Delcy Rodríguez to remain in office for now, after being sworn in as Nicolás Maduro’s successor.
Trump said Rodríguez was prepared to take the steps he believed the United States needed “to make Venezuela great again.”
Rodriguez vehemently rejected the US position and accused Washington of aggression. “This regime change will also enable the seizure of our energy, mineral and natural resources,” he said, according to IANS.
He also insisted that Maduro remain the leader of the country, saying, “There is only one president in this country, and his name is Nicolas Maduro.”
(From IANS reports)
