Delcy RodrĂguez has been sworn in as Venezuela's interim president following the capture of former leader Nicolás Maduro by U.S. forces on Saturday. Ms. RodrĂguez, previously Vice President under Mr. Maduro, was appointed to the role by Venezuela's Supreme Court on Saturday and subsequently took her oath on Monday in Caracas. The transition has initiated discussions regarding constitutional provisions for presidential succession and the future of Venezuela's international relations, particularly with the United States.
Interim Presidency Established
Delcy RodrĂguez was sworn in as interim president on Monday by her brother, Jorge RodrĂguez, who was reelected as speaker of the National Assembly. Her appointment by Venezuela's high court on Saturday was reportedly supported by the Venezuelan military. Ms. RodrĂguez is expected to serve until the National Assembly's term, which is scheduled to conclude in 2031, with constitutional provisions for her term length subject to interpretation.
During her swearing-in ceremony, Ms. RodrĂguez stated, "I come with sorrow for the suffering inflicted upon the Venezuelan people following an illegitimate military aggression against our homeland."
Capture and Legal Proceedings of Nicolás Maduro
Former President Nicolás Maduro and his wife, Cilia Flores, were apprehended by U.S. forces at their residence on a military base on Saturday. On Monday, Mr. Maduro made his initial court appearance in a U.S. courtroom, pleading not guilty to federal narco-terrorism and drug-trafficking charges. He asserted his innocence, stating he was a "decent man."
In Venezuela, lawmakers delivered speeches condemning Mr. Maduro's capture. Nicolás Maduro Guerra, Mr. Maduro's son, commented on the implications of "normalizing the kidnapping of a head of state," asserting it as a threat to global political stability. He requested the return of his father and stepmother to Venezuela and appealed for international support, while also rejecting his inclusion as a co-conspirator in the federal indictment. Separately, Venezuelan lawmaker Grecia Colmenares pledged efforts to facilitate the return of Mr. Maduro and Ms. Flores.
International Relations and U.S. Engagement
The U.S. government has indicated a strategy to pressure the Venezuelan government. President Donald Trump initially suggested the U.S. would temporarily "run" Venezuela, a statement later clarified by Secretary of State Marco Rubio. Mr. Rubio stated on Sunday that the U.S. would not manage the country's daily operations beyond enforcing an existing "oil quarantine," aiming to promote policy changes, including reforms to the oil industry's management and efforts to curb drug trafficking.
Initial communications between Ms. RodrĂguez and U.S. officials presented contrasting tones:
- U.S. Perspective: Secretary Rubio described Ms. RodrĂguez as "gracious" and a potential counterpart, unlike Mr. Maduro.
- RodrĂguez's Initial Stance: In a televised address, Ms. RodrĂguez referred to the U.S. government as "extremists" and affirmed Mr. Maduro's legitimacy as Venezuela's rightful leader, stating that actions against Venezuela constituted "an atrocity that violates international law."
Following these exchanges, President Trump issued a warning on Sunday, stating that Ms. RodrĂguez would "pay a very big price" if she did not comply with U.S. expectations. He also expressed a desire for "total access" to Venezuela's infrastructure, including oil facilities, for rebuilding purposes. Secretary Rubio also questioned the legitimacy of Ms. RodrĂguez's government, citing a perceived lack of free and fair elections.
By Sunday, Ms. RodrĂguez adopted a more conciliatory approach. She expressed Venezuela's interest in "respectful relations" with the U.S. and invited the U.S. government to collaborate on an agenda of cooperation for shared development within the framework of international law.
An anonymous State Department official confirmed on Monday that the Trump administration is making preliminary plans to potentially reopen the U.S. embassy in Venezuela.
Constitutional Provisions for Interim Presidency
Venezuela's constitution mandates an election within 30 days if the president becomes "permanently unavailable." However, the Supreme Court's decision on Saturday classified Mr. Maduro's absence as "temporary." Under this provision, the vice president, an unelected position, assumes power for up to 90 days, extendable to six months with National Assembly approval. The Supreme Court's ruling did not specify a time limit for Ms. RodrĂguez's term, leading to speculation regarding its potential duration and her efforts to consolidate support within the ruling socialist party.
Profile of Interim President Delcy RodrĂguez
Delcy RodrĂguez, 56, is a lawyer and politician with a history of representing the socialist movement initiated by former President Hugo Chávez. She served as Mr. Maduro's vice president since 2018 and has reportedly overseen Venezuela's oil-dependent economy and intelligence services. She is now part of a group of senior officials reportedly managing the country's government.
Ms. RodrĂguez has held various positions under previous governments, including economic minister, foreign affairs minister, and petroleum minister. She and her brother, Jorge RodrĂguez, come from a family with a socialist political background; their father, a socialist leader, died in police custody in 1976.
While not criminally indicted in the U.S. like some members of Mr. Maduro's inner circle, Ms. RodrĂguez was subject to U.S. sanctions during the Trump administration's first term for actions perceived as undermining Venezuelan democracy. She is noted for her close relationship with the Venezuelan military and has developed connections with individuals in the oil industry and on Wall Street. Ms. RodrĂguez also presided over an assembly established by Mr. Maduro in 2017, which aimed to counter the opposition-majority legislature.