Venezuela’s Delcy Rodríguez remains acting president after her initial 90-day appointment expired
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CARACAS, Venezuela —
CARACAS, Venezuela (AP) — Delcy Rodríguez continued to serve as Venezuela’s acting president on Monday, surpassing the 90-day limit set by the country’s high court for her temporary role after the U.S. capture of Nicolás Maduro in January.
The duration of her continued presidency remains uncertain as lawmakers have not publicly voted to extend her term beyond the deadline last Friday.
As per the court order, Maduro remains the official president of Venezuela, with his absence being termed as “forced” due to a “kidnapping,” making it temporarily impossible for him to carry out his duties.
According to the country’s constitution, temporary absences are to be filled by the vice president for up to 90 days, which was Rodríguez’s previous position. The national assembly can extend these interim appointments for an additional 90 days.
The ruling-party-controlled National Assembly has the authority to call for a snap election if they declare the presidential post permanently vacant.
Requests for comments from the government’s press office went unanswered.
Ronal Rodríguez, a researcher at the Venezuela Observatory in Colombia’s Universidad del Rosario, mentioned that the government has previously utilized legal interpretations to maintain power, especially since Maduro assumed office in 2013.
“It would not be surprising if they resort to similar tactics now,” he stated. “They are likely to find some rationale, such as Good Friday or the method of counting days, but ultimately, a ruling from the Supreme Tribunal of Justice will validate everything.”
Maduro and his wife, Cilia Flores, were arrested on January 3 in Caracas and extradited to New York to face charges of drug trafficking. Both have pleaded not guilty.
Rodríguez and other leaders of the ruling party have demanded the release of the couple, labeling their detention as a kidnapping. Messages advocating for their release adorn billboards and murals throughout Caracas.
Following Maduro’s removal, the Trump administration surprised many by collaborating with Rodríguez instead of Venezuela’s political opposition. She has spearheaded efforts to resolve Venezuela’s crisis by attracting international investors to the oil-rich nation and liberalizing its energy sector for private investment and international arbitration. Rodríguez has also replaced key officials, including Maduro’s loyal defense minister and attorney general.
U.S. President Donald Trump has commended her actions.
Last week, the U.S. Treasury Department lifted sanctions imposed on Rodríguez, while the U.S. State Department recognized her as the “sole Head of State” of Venezuela last month.
The United States ceased recognizing Maduro as Venezuela’s legitimate leader in 2019 after his contested reelection victory that excluded opposition parties and candidates.
