Delcy Rodríguez, Maduro's longtime deputy, has seamlessly moved into the role of acting president
World
M
Moneycontrol17-01-2026, 07:52

Venezuela's Rodríguez Balances US Demands and Chavismo Unity After Maduro's Capture

  • Delcy Rodríguez has assumed the role of acting president after Nicolás Maduro’s capture, maintaining a facade of continuity while initiating significant changes.
  • Rodríguez is reshaping the cabinet and security apparatus, including appointing Calixto Ortega Sánchez as vice president of the economy ministry and Gustavo González López to lead the Presidential Honor Guard.
  • Dozens of political prisoners have been released, a move positively received by the Trump administration, with more releases expected.
  • Rodríguez is navigating a 'tightrope' to appease the US while consolidating power and uniting the fractured Chavismo coalition.
  • Key figures like Nicolás Maduro Guerra and Diosdado Cabello have publicly expressed support for Rodríguez, despite past tensions with Cabello.

Why It Matters: Delcy Rodríguez is skillfully balancing US expectations and internal Chavismo unity following Maduro's capture.

More like this

Loading more articles...