Delcy Rodríguez Assumes Interim Presidency in Venezuela Following Maduro's Capture

In the wake of a U.S. military operation that resulted in the capture of President Nicolás Maduro and First Lady Cilia Flores, Venezuela's Executive Vice President Delcy Rodríguez has assumed interim presidential duties. This transition aligns with Articles 233 and 234 of the Venezuelan constitution, which mandate that the vice president assumes the presidency in cases of the president's temporary or absolute absence.

Rodríguez, who also serves as the minister for finance and oil, convened a National Defense Council session on Saturday afternoon. Surrounded by ministers and senior officials, she demanded the immediate release of Maduro and Flores, condemning the U.S. military action as a violation of international law and Venezuela's sovereignty. She urged Venezuelans and Latin American governments to denounce the operation.

"We call on the peoples of the great homeland to remain united, because what was done to Venezuela can be done to anyone. That brutal use of force to bend the will of the people can be carried out against any country," Rodríguez stated during the council session.

Born in Caracas in 1969, Rodríguez is a law graduate from the Central University of Venezuela. She has been a prominent figure in Venezuelan politics for over two decades, holding positions such as minister of communication and information, foreign minister, and president of the Constituent National Assembly. In 2018, she was appointed vice president by Maduro and has been a key figure in his administration.

U.S. President Donald Trump announced that Secretary of State Marco Rubio had spoken with Rodríguez, indicating her willingness to collaborate with Washington on a new phase for Venezuela. However, analysts express skepticism about her making concessions to the U.S., noting her longstanding hardline stance within the government.

In her initial statements following Maduro's capture, Rodríguez showed no inclination toward cooperation with the U.S. She demanded proof of life for Maduro and Flores and condemned the U.S. operation, asserting that Maduro remains the legitimate president of Venezuela.

"There is only one president in this country, and his name is Nicolás Maduro Moros," Rodríguez declared, now serving as the most visible face of the government in these circumstances.