Venezuela’s Supreme Court has appointed Vice President Delcy Rodriguez as Interim President, a day after the United States launched an attack on the South American nation and captured President Nicolás Maduro and his wife. The Supreme Court added that it would deliberate further on establishing a legal framework to ensure continuity of the state, the functioning of government institutions and the protection of national sovereignty in light of the extraordinary circumstances. Rodriguez, 56, is one of the most powerful figures within Venezuela’s socialist leadership and a close ally of Maduro.
According toGulfnews,she studied law at the Central University of Venezuela and has risen rapidly through the political ranks over the past decade. In June 2018, Maduro appointed her Vice President, describing her at the time as “a young woman, brave, seasoned, daughter of a martyr, revolutionary, and proven in countless battles.” She has since emerged as the country’s chief economic authority.Reacting to the developments, US President Donald Trump said Washington had left Rodriguez in place as Maduro’s successor for now. “She’s essentially willing to do what we think is necessary to make Venezuela great again,” Trump said.
Rodriguez, however, strongly rejected the US position, accusing Washington of aggression and warning that the move was aimed at exploiting Venezuela’s resources. “This regime change would also allow for the seizure of our energy, mineral, and natural resources,” she said. The situation has heightened tensions in the region, as Venezuela navigates a sudden leadership transition amid international pressure and domestic uncertainty. Meanwhile, Pope Leo XIV has appealed for calm, justice and respect for human rights in Venezuela following dramatic political developments in the country.
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