Many of those who tuned in to US President Donald Trump’s news conference on Saturday were probably hoping to here dramatic details of how US forces seized Venezuela’s leader, Nicolás Maduro, in a pre-dawn raid.

But arguably a more surprising moment came when trump announced that now that Maduro was in custody, the US would “run” Venezuela “until such time as we can do a s

Venezuela’s Opposition Leaders Face Uncertainty After maduro’s Grip on power

Edmundo González stood in for María Corina Machado after she was barred from running in the election. With the security forces cracking down on the opposition in the aftermath of the election, González went into exile in Spain and Machado into hiding in Venezuela.

In view of that, the US and dozens of other countries recognised González as the president-elect. González, a little-known former diplomat, had the backing of popular opposition leader María Corina Machado, whom he replaced on the ballot after she was barred from running for office by officials from the Maduro government.

For the past 18 months,they have been urging Maduro to step down and lobbying for international support for their cause,especially from the US. Machado’s profile was boosted by her winning the Nobel Peace Prize for “her struggle to achieve a just and peaceful transition from dictatorship to democracy” in venezuela.

Following the publicity and recognition she received after embarking on a risky journey from her hiding place in Venezuela to Oslo to accept the award, many assumed that any post-Maduro scenario would see her returning to her homeland to take up the reins of power together with Edmundo González.

Machado herself posted a letter on social media following Maduro’s capture declaring that the “hour of freedom has arrived”.”Today we are ready to enforce our mandate and take power,” she wrote.

But the US president…

Who is Delcy Rodríguez? The Venezuelan Vice President Poised to Take Over

Gaby Oraa/Bloomberg via Getty Images

As Nicolás Maduro’s arrest looms, all eyes are turning to Delcy Rodríguez, Venezuela’s Executive Vice President.She’s increasingly seen as the most likely successor, and recent events suggest she has the backing of key figures within the Maduro regime.But who exactly *is* Delcy Rodríguez, and what does her potential rise to power mean for Venezuela and it’s relationship with the United States?

A Longtime Maduro Ally

Delcy Rodríguez has been a prominent figure in Venezuelan politics for years.She served as foreign Minister under Maduro from 2014 to 2020, a period marked by increasing international isolation and economic crisis. During her tenure,she fiercely defended the Maduro government against accusations of authoritarianism and human rights abuses,becoming a vocal critic of the US and other Western nations.

Before becoming Vice President in 2019, rodríguez held several other significant positions, including Minister of Interaction and Facts. Her loyalty to Maduro has been unwavering, and she’s consistently been a key negotiator for the government, both domestically and internationally.

The Power Play After maduro’s Arrest

The recent arrest and extradition of Maduro to the United States has created a power vacuum in venezuela. Immediately following the arrest, Delcy Rodríguez was photographed surrounded by some of the most powerful men in Maduro’s inner circle. This display of support strongly suggests she has secured their backing to take over.

Among those flanking her were her brother Jorge Rodríguez, the president of Venezuela’s National Assembly, Interior Minister Diosdado Cabello, Defence Minister Vladimir Padrino, and the top commander of the armed forces, Domingo Hernández Lárez. This coalition represents significant control over Venezuela’s political and military apparatus.

What Does This Mean for the US?

US officials initially expressed concern that Maduro’s capture could lead to instability and a power struggle. Rodríguez’s swift consolidation of support appears to have mitigated that risk, at least in the short term.Though, her ascension doesn’t necessarily signal a more favorable outcome for the US.

Rodríguez is a staunch defender of the Maduro regime’s policies and is unlikely to embrace a significant shift in direction.She has consistently blamed the US for Venezuela’s problems and is unlikely to be receptive to US demands for democratic reforms.While she may be willing to engage in dialog, it’s unlikely to result in significant concessions.

Key takeaways

• Delcy Rodríguez is the Executive Vice President of Venezuela and is widely considered the most likely successor to Nicolás Maduro.
• She has been a loyal ally of Maduro for years, serving in several key government positions.
• Following Maduro’s arrest, Rodríguez quickly secured the backing of powerful figures within the regime.
• Her rise to power is unlikely to lead to significant changes in Venezuela’s policies or its relationship with the US.