Venezuela appoints Delcy Rodríguez as interim president following Maduro’s detention

Sunday 04 January 2026 - 08:00

By: Sahili Aya

Venezuela appoints Delcy Rodríguez as interim president following Maduro’s detention

Venezuela’s vice president, Delcy Rodríguez, has been appointed to assume presidential duties on an interim basis following the detention of President Nicolás Maduro by the United States, according to a ruling issued by the country’s Supreme Court.

In a statement released on Saturday, the Constitutional Chamber of the Supreme Court announced that Rodríguez would temporarily exercise all powers and responsibilities of the presidency. The decision aims to ensure institutional continuity and maintain the functioning of the state during the current political uncertainty.

The court clarified that Nicolás Maduro has not been officially declared permanently absent, a legal condition that would otherwise trigger the organization of early presidential elections within a 30-day period under Venezuelan law. As a result, the interim arrangement is intended to preserve stability while judicial and political processes continue.

Delcy Rodríguez, a close ally of Maduro and a long-standing figure within the ruling establishment, has played a central role in Venezuela’s government in recent years. Her interim appointment places her at the forefront of the country’s leadership at a time of heightened domestic tension and international scrutiny.

The situation has drawn significant attention abroad, particularly from the United States and regional actors, as developments in Caracas continue to reshape Venezuela’s political landscape.