Venezuela’s National Assembly on Monday swore in Vice President Delcy Rodríguez as interim president, following the arrest of President Nicolás Maduro by United States forces and his transfer to New York to face drug trafficking charges. The swearing-in took place amid heightened political tension and ongoing protests across the capital.
Rodríguez took the oath of office before lawmakers, describing Maduro and his wife, Cilia Flores, as being unlawfully detained. She said she was assuming the role on behalf of Venezuelans who, according to her, were aggrieved by the removal of the country’s elected leadership. The interim president pledged continuity of governance while efforts are made to secure Maduro’s return.
During the same parliamentary session, lawmakers re-elected Jorge Rodríguez, Delcy Rodríguez’s brother, as Speaker of the National Assembly. Addressing legislators, he vowed to pursue all legal, diplomatic, and political channels to bring Maduro back to Venezuela, reaffirming loyalty to the former president and the ruling political bloc.
Maduro’s son, Nicolás Maduro Guerra, also addressed the Assembly, assuring supporters that the current leadership structure would maintain stability. He urged party faithful to remain united, stating that governance would continue uninterrupted while the family seeks the release of his parents.
Outside the Assembly complex, thousands of pro-government supporters staged demonstrations in Caracas, chanting slogans linked to Maduro’s disputed 2024 re-election. Security remained tight around key government buildings, with reports of isolated disturbances near the presidential palace before authorities said calm had been restored. The Supreme Court had earlier authorised Rodríguez to serve in an acting capacity, a move later backed publicly by the military.
