Venezuela’s parliament swore in Delcy Rodríguez as interim president on Monday, two days after US forces seized her predecessor, Nicolás Maduro, to face trial in New York, marking a dramatic and uncertain turning point in the country’s political crisis.
Rodríguez took the oath of office during a formal session of the National Assembly, telling lawmakers she was assuming the role “in the name of all Venezuelans.” The ceremony followed Maduro’s reported removal and transfer to the United States, an operation announced by US President Donald Trump but not independently confirmed by international bodies.
In her address, Rodríguez signalled a willingness to engage with Washington, stating that her priority would be to restore stability and safeguard Venezuelans during what she described as an unprecedented transition. She did not outline a detailed roadmap for elections or governance but stressed the need for calm, institutional continuity, and cooperation with international partners.
The swearing-in comes amid heightened security concerns in Caracas, where tensions remain high following Maduro’s removal. Venezuelan officials have acknowledged uncertainty over the former president’s whereabouts before his reported transfer and have called on security forces to maintain order around key government sites.
International reaction has been cautious. Regional leaders and foreign governments have urged restraint and clarity, warning that Venezuela’s political future must ultimately be decided through lawful and inclusive processes. Legal experts note that interim leadership arrangements can be highly contentious, particularly when formed during external intervention and without a clear electoral mandate.
For many Venezuelans, Rodríguez’s appointment represents both a moment of possibility and deep uncertainty. Supporters see her statements on cooperation as a potential opening for diplomatic engagement and economic relief. Critics, however, question the legitimacy of the process and warn that the transition could face internal resistance and legal challenges.
As Rodríguez assumes office, key questions remain unresolved: how long the interim government will last, whether elections will be scheduled, and how Venezuela’s institutions will function amid intense international scrutiny. For now, her swearing-in signals a fragile attempt to stabilise power following one of the most dramatic political shifts in the country’s modern history.
