Venezuela's Uncertain Future: Delcy Rodríguez Appointed Interim President After Maduro's Capture

In a dramatic turn of events, the United States has captured Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro on January 34, triggering a wave of changes in the ruling regime. The Venezuelan Supreme Court swiftly appointed Vice President Delcy Rodríguez as the interim president in the midst of confusion surrounding the country's governance. This sudden shift raises pressing questions about Venezuela's political future and the role of the United States in its affairs. Rodríguez was among the first to respond publicly to the U.S. military operation, condemning the action and demanding proof of Maduro's well-being. During a press conference, President Trump announced that Rodríguez had expressed a willingness to collaborate with the U.S., claiming she had been appointed president. However, Rodríguez later rebuffed these claims, reaffirming Maduro's presidency in a speech filled with accusations against the United States, which she accused of attempting to seize Venezuela's natural resources. At 56, Delcy Rodríguez is a prominent figure within Maduro's inner circle. Having held the position of vice president since 2018, she previously served as Minister of Oil and Foreign Affairs. Her political motivations are deeply personal; her father, a Marxist guerrilla, was killed by Venezuelan intelligence in 1976, fueling her determination to fight against perceived injustices. Throughout her career, she has built a reputation for both ideological commitment and technocratic pragmatism. Despite being sanctioned by the U.S. and European Union for her role in suppressing opposition, Rodríguez's experience in managing Venezuela's crucial oil sector has reportedly made her a viable candidate for U.S. leaders looking for a figure to negotiate with in the immediate future. The New York Times has detailed that U.S. officials had identified Rodríguez weeks prior to the operation as a preferable replacement for Maduro, given her willingness to consider concessions to U.S. oil companies and slight liberal reforms that have provided some relief to Venezuela's struggling economy. In stark contrast stands María Corina Machado, a leading figure in the Venezuelan opposition who has received international recognition for her anti-Maduro efforts, including the Nobel Peace Prize. However, her attempts to align with Trump and the U.S. have seemingly faltered, with Trump expressing doubts about her ability to govern effectively given her lack of support within Venezuela. With Rodríguez's role now central, the relationships formed between her and U.S. officials will be crucial in determining the state of Venezuela in the coming months. However, her recent speech underscored her fierce loyalty to Maduro and the regime, complicating potential collaborations. The path forward remains hazy. Trump and his administration aim to control the Venezuelan situation, but it is unclear how Rodríguez will navigate her newfound presidential position and if she truly will work with the U.S. Without clear calculations and intentions, the future of Venezuela and its governance remains shrouded in uncertainty. As violations of national sovereignty clash with strategic interests, the world watches this evolving drama with growing concern. Related Sources: • Source 1 • Source 2 • Source 3 • Source 4