Venezuela Welcomes Delcy Rodriguez as Interim President Amid Crisis

Post by : Bianca Suleiman

In a remarkable political turn, Delcy Rodriguez was officially sworn in as the interim president of Venezuela on Monday in Caracas. This development transpired just two days after US forces apprehended President Nicolas Maduro, sending shockwaves through the nation as he was relocated to New York to confront drug trafficking allegations.

Rodriguez, who assumed her new role at the National Assembly, declared her intention to represent all Venezuelans. The swearing-in ceremony was marked by heightened security, underscoring the tense environment prevailing in the capital. While lawmakers from the ruling party voiced their backing, chants in support of Maduro resonated within the assembly.

The National Assembly condemned Maduro's detention, labeling it an assault on Venezuela's sovereignty. Concurrently, they expressed full backing for Rodriguez, who has long served as Maduro's vice president. Her brother, Jorge Rodriguez, retained his position as parliament speaker, further entrenching their family's influence in both the executive and legislative sectors.

Outside the assembly, thousands rallied, brandishing flags and calling for Maduro's return. Protesters voiced slogans from his campaign, asserting that Venezuela would resist any foreign influence. Many denounced the US operation as an unwarranted interference, regardless of the accusations against Maduro.

Emotional during her address to lawmakers, Rodriguez expressed profound sorrow over what she called the “kidnapping” of Maduro and his wife, Cilia Flores, who also face US charges. Despite her new responsibilities, she affirmed that Maduro remains the legitimate leader of Venezuela.

Tensions escalated further when unidentified drones were spotted over the presidential palace in Caracas that evening. Security forces responded with gunfire, causing panic in the city. Authorities later assured the public that the situation was controlled, though the incident heightened fears about stability.

In a show of solidarity, Maduro’s son, Nicolas Maduro Guerra, addressed parliament and later supporters outside, pledging loyalty to Rodriguez and expressing faith in his parents' eventual return. He conveyed that he maintained indirect contact with his father, reiterating the unity of the ruling faction.

The Supreme Court had directed Rodriguez to step in as acting president, a decision sanctioned by military leadership. While Rodriguez signaled her readiness to collaborate with Washington, US President Donald Trump cautioned her of dire consequences if she failed to adhere to US expectations regarding political reforms and oil policies.

As Venezuela faces this unprecedented phase, Caracas remains on edge, the political landscape shifting, and the country thoroughly divided over potential future developments.