Venezuela’s parliament on Monday formally swore in Delcy Rodriguez as interim president, two days after US forces captured her predecessor, Nicolas Maduro, and transported him to New York to face trial on drug trafficking charges.
Rodriguez, who served as Maduro’s vice president, took her oath of office before the National Assembly, telling lawmakers:
“I take this oath in the name of all Venezuelans. I am in pain over the kidnapping of our heroes, the hostages in the United States,” referring to Maduro and his wife, Cilia Flores.
The session also confirmed Jorge Rodriguez, Delcy’s brother, as parliament speaker, consolidating control of both the executive and legislative branches within the Rodriguez family. Jorge Rodriguez assured lawmakers that all efforts would be made to secure Maduro’s return:
“All procedures, all platforms, and all avenues will be pursued to bring back Nicolas Maduro Moros, my brother, my president.”
Maduro’s son, Nicolas Maduro Guerra, also addressed the assembly, pledging family support and continuity:
“Count on me, count on my family. Venezuela is in good hands until my parents return.”
Despite parliamentary approval, protests and opposition voices continued outside the legislature. Thousands marched through Caracas in support of Maduro. Flur Alberto, 32, told AFP:
“Regardless of whether Nicolas Maduro has something to answer for in court, this was not the way to do it.”
The US operation that led to Maduro’s capture was reportedly ordered by former President Donald Trump and involved airstrikes and naval support on Saturday. Venezuelan lawmaker Fernando Soto Rojas condemned the raid, saying:
“The president of the United States claims to be the prosecutor, the judge, and the policeman of the world. We will ultimately deploy all our solidarity so that our legitimate president returns victorious to Miraflores.”
Following her swearing-in, tensions remained high in Caracas. Witnesses reported shots fired near the Miraflores Presidential Palace, and drones were sighted over the city, though authorities said the situation was under control.
The Supreme Court of Venezuela had authorised Rodriguez to assume the presidency in an acting capacity on Saturday, with the military pledging support the following day.
Rodriguez has expressed readiness to cooperate with Washington, which has indicated it will engage with Venezuelan leaders if they comply with US demands regarding policy reforms and oil access. Trump, however, warned that Rodriguez could face consequences if she fails to meet these requirements.
The transition comes amid significant political uncertainty in Venezuela, where the United Socialist Party of Venezuela (PSUV) and its allies hold 256 of the 286 parliamentary seats following last May’s elections, which were largely boycotted by opposition parties.
