Rodríguez Takes Oath as Interim President After US Seizes Maduro

Rodríguez Takes Oath as Interim President After US Seizes Maduro

Delcy Rodríguez was on Monday sworn in as Venezuela’s interim president during a charged session of the National Assembly, as lawmakers opened proceedings with demands for the release of ousted leader Nicolás Maduro from US custody.

Rodríguez, 56, who has served as vice president since 2018, said she was deeply pained by what she described as the “kidnapping” of Maduro and his wife, Cilia Flores, following a dramatic US military operation that led to their arrest over the weekend.

Her swearing-in came just hours after Maduro appeared before a federal court in New York, where he pleaded not guilty to four charges, including narco-terrorism, cocaine importation conspiracy, and possession of machine guns and destructive devices. During the hearing, Maduro insisted he remained Venezuela’s legitimate leader.

“I’m a decent man. I am still president of my country,” Maduro told the court through an interpreter, prompting US District Judge Alvin Hellerstein to caution that there would be “a time and a place” to address political claims.

Outside the courtroom, emotions ran high as a member of the public shouted at Maduro in Spanish, telling him he would “pay” for his actions. Maduro responded that he was a “kidnapped president” and a “prisoner of war” before being led away in shackles alongside his wife.

Meanwhile, the crisis spilled onto the global stage as the UN Security Council convened an emergency session to debate the legality of the US action. Venezuela’s UN ambassador, Samuel Moncada, accused Washington of carrying out an “illegitimate armed attack lacking any legal justification.”

READ ALSO:

• Maduro Pleads Not Guilty to Narco-Terrorism Charges in US Court
• Havana says 32 Cubans were killed in US operation in Venezuela
• Court Jails Ex-Lagos Education Director for ₦48.9m Access Bank Fraud

In response, the US ambassador to the UN, Mike Waltz, defended the operation, describing Maduro as an “illegitimate so-called president” and a “fugitive from justice.” He said the US had conducted a “surgical law-enforcement operation” to apprehend him.

Speaking shortly after the raid, US President Donald Trump said the United States would effectively “run Venezuela” until a “safe and proper transition” could be achieved. He later promised that US oil companies would help rebuild infrastructure and revive production in the oil-rich country.

However, concerns were raised in Washington over the strategy. Following a classified briefing at the Capitol, Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer said the plan was “vague and unsatisfying,” warning that US-led regime change had historically harmed American interests. House Speaker Mike Johnson rejected claims of regime change, calling the action “decisive and justified” and arguing it was aimed at changing behaviour, not governments.

Despite US pressure, Maduro’s allies remain firmly in control in Caracas. Thousands of supporters gathered outside the Federal Legislative Palace as Rodríguez took the oath of office, pledging to safeguard peace and stability.

“I take this oath with pain,” Rodríguez told lawmakers, citing the suffering caused by what she termed “illegitimate military aggression.” She also signalled a cautious openness to dialogue, saying her administration was willing to cooperate with Washington “within the framework of international law.”

Maduro’s son addressed the assembly, voicing “unconditional support” for Rodríguez and declaring that his parents “will return” to Venezuela.

Maduro’s next court hearing in the United States has been scheduled for March 17, as diplomatic tensions over the unprecedented arrest continue to escalate.

Rodríguez Takes Oath as Interim President After US Seizes Maduro

BBC