Venezuela dismisses Alex Saab as interim president reshapes government
Venezuela’s interim president, Delcy Rodríguez, announced on Friday the dismissal of businessman Alex Saab from the government, marking a significant political shift following the arrest of former president Nicolás Maduro and the growing influence of the United States in Caracas.
Alex Saab, a Colombian-born businessman of Lebanese descent, was widely regarded as a key international operator for the Chavista movement. He had been arrested in 2021 and held in the United States on charges related to large-scale corruption involving food aid programs. Saab was released in late 2023 as part of a high-profile prisoner exchange between Washington and Caracas.
In December 2024, Saab was appointed minister of industry, a role that placed him at the center of Venezuela’s economic strategy amid sanctions. His removal comes less than two weeks after Maduro’s capture by U.S. forces, signaling a possible recalibration of power within the Venezuelan leadership.
In a statement, Rodríguez thanked Saab for his service, announcing that his ministry would be merged with the national trade portfolio, effectively eliminating his position. Observers see the move as part of broader efforts to stabilize the country and redefine relations with international partners.
The decision has fueled debate over Venezuela’s political future, as opposition figures claim the country has entered a transition phase. Meanwhile, uncertainty remains over economic recovery, particularly in the vital oil sector, despite Venezuela holding the world’s largest proven crude reserves.
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