Who is Delcy Rodriguez, the woman appointed Venezuela's leader following Maduro's capture ?
PTC News Desk: Venezuela’s Supreme Court on Sunday ordered Vice President Delcy Rodriguez to take over as Interim President. This decision came a day after the United States carried out a rare military operation in Caracas and captured President Nicolas Maduro.
In its ruling, the court said Rodriguez would take charge to keep the government running smoothly and to protect the country’s defence. The court added that it would continue discussions to decide the legal steps needed to manage the government and protect Venezuela’s sovereignty during the president’s forced absence.
Delcy Rodriguez, 56, is one of the most powerful leaders in Venezuela’s socialist government and a close ally of Maduro. Over the years, she has served as Vice President, Finance Minister, and Oil Minister, giving her major control over the economy at a time when the country faced US sanctions and high inflation.
Maduro once called her a “tiger” because of her strong and aggressive support for his leadership. Rodriguez was born in Caracas and is the daughter of Jorge Antonio Rodriguez, a left-wing guerrilla leader and founder of the Socialist League.
Where Is Nicolas Maduro?
US officials said Maduro and his wife, Cilia Flores, were taken from their home on a military base during what they described as a bold raid. The couple was first taken to a US warship and later flown to New York to face criminal charges. They are accused of being involved in narco-terrorism and drug trafficking.
A plane carrying the removed leaders landed around 4:30 pm on Saturday at an airport near New York City. Maduro was escorted off the plane by federal agents, some of whom recorded the moment on their phones. He is expected to be held in a federal prison in Brooklyn while waiting for trial.
Former US President Donald Trump said the United States would help manage Venezuela during the temporary period, though there was no clear sign of US involvement on the ground. Calling the mission “extremely successful,” Trump said the US would oversee the country until a safe and orderly transition takes place. He also warned that the operation should be seen as a message to anyone who threatens American lives or sovereignty.
- With inputs from agencies
