Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro has been forced to step down following a surprise operation by US forces, in which he and his wife were taken into custody by US forces. Within hours, on late Saturday evening, the country's Supreme Court issued an order naming Vice President Delcy Rodriguez as the interim president.
The court stated that Delcy Rodriguez will 'temporarily exercise all powers, responsibilities, and authority associated with the presidential office to maintain administrative continuity and ensure the overall security of the country.' However, the court has not permanently removed Maduro from power, as doing so would require elections within 30 days.
Venezuela faces political uncertainty
Venezuela is now in a state of political uncertainty. After Maduro's arrest, the United States claimed that power in the country had changed hands. Meanwhile, officials in Caracas insist that Maduro is still the country's president.
Also Read | Zohran Mamdani calls US action in Venezuela an 'Act of War,' opposes Nicolas Maduro's capture
Amid this confusion, Delcy Rodriguez has taken over as interim leader following the Supreme Court's directive. Her main challenges include keeping the government running, maintaining control over the military and bureaucracy, and managing international pressure. With American sanctions, economic crises, and questions of global recognition, Venezuela's situation remains extremely sensitive.
Who is Delcy Rodriguez?
Delcy Eloina Rodriguez Gomez is a prominent and influential figure in Venezuelan politics. She served as Vice President and is part of Maduro's inner circle. A lawyer, diplomat, and political strategist, she has been involved in key government decisions for many years.
Born on May 16, 1969, Rodriguez grew up in a political family. Her father, Jorge Antonio Rodriguez, was a leftist guerrilla leader and founder of the revolutionary organisation 'Liga Socialista' in the 1970s. She studied law at Venezuela's Central University and later pursued international law. From her student days, she was active in leftist politics and supported former President Hugo Chávez's Bolivarian movement.
Also Read | Nicolas Maduro's 'Perp Walk' video inside New York DEA HQ surfaces after US capture
Her political career includes serving as Minister of Communication and Information (2013–2014), Foreign Minister (2014–2018), and head of the Constituent Assembly in 2017. In June 2018, Maduro appointed her as Vice President, calling her 'brave, revolutionary, and tested in a thousand battles.' She has also overseen the Finance and Oil ministries, giving her influence over Venezuela's key economic sectors. In August 2024, she took full responsibility for the Oil Ministry, managing the country's most important industry, currently under US sanctions.
Delcy Rodriguez's career has been controversial. The US, the European Union, and other countries have imposed sanctions on her, accusing her of weakening democratic institutions and violating human rights. Supporters, however, see her as a strong defender of Venezuela's sovereignty.
With Nicolas Maduro's arrest, Delcy Rodriguez now stands at the center of Venezuelan politics. Her ability to stabilise the country during this uncertain period will be closely watched both at home and abroad.
