Delcy Rodriguez Sworn in as Venezuela’s Interim President Following US Seizure of Maduro

Venezuela’s parliament has sworn in Delcy Rodriguez as interim president, following the capture of Nicolas Maduro and his wife, Cilia Flores, by US forces earlier this week. Rodriguez, who previously served as Maduro’s vice president, took the oath of office on Monday during a ceremony in the National Assembly, pledging to act “in the name of all Venezuelans.”

Rodriguez expressed concern over the arrest of Maduro and other officials, describing them as “heroes” and “hostages in the United States.” She emphasized her willingness to cooperate with Washington, which has signaled support for Venezuelan leaders if they comply with US policy demands.

Outside the legislature, thousands of Venezuelans protested, calling for Maduro’s release and chanting slogans like, “Maduro, hold on: Venezuela is rising!” Protesters expressed that, regardless of Maduro’s legal challenges, the US intervention was not the proper way to handle the situation.

Parliamentary Support and Family Backing-

Inside the National Assembly, Rodriguez received full backing from lawmakers, who also reelected her brother, Jorge Rodriguez, as parliament speaker, consolidating the siblings’ influence over Venezuela’s executive and legislative branches. Jorge Rodriguez vowed to pursue all avenues to bring Maduro back to power.

Maduro’s son, Nicolas Maduro Guerra, also voiced support for the acting president, stating that Venezuela is “in good hands” until his parents return.

Security Developments-

Shortly after Rodriguez’s swearing-in, shots were reported near the Miraflores presidential palace, with security forces responding to unidentified drones flying over the site. Authorities confirmed the situation was under control.

Supreme Court and Military Backing-

The Supreme Court of Venezuela had directed Rodriguez to assume the presidency “in an acting capacity,” and the military also threw its support behind her over the weekend. Rodriguez maintained that Maduro remains the country’s “only president,” but offered cooperation to Washington on policy and oil-related matters.

Political Context-

The current National Assembly is dominated by the ruling United Socialist Party of Venezuela (PSUV) and its allies, holding 256 of 286 seats following May elections largely boycotted by the opposition. Maduro Guerra emphasized Venezuela’s desire for mutual respect in international relations, without threats or interference, while reaffirming the government’s commitment to stability and continuity.

Meanwhile, former US President Donald Trump warned Rodriguez that failure to comply with Washington’s demands could result in consequences more severe than those facing Maduro.