Delcy Rodríguez Assumes Interim presidency of Venezuela
Table of Contents
Delcy Rodríguez, Venezuela’s Executive Vice President, assumed the interim presidency on January 20, 2026, following Nicolás Maduro’s departure for medical treatment in Cuba, as confirmed by a statement from the Presidential Palace.
Constitutional Basis for Succession
The Venezuelan Constitution, specifically Article 233, outlines the process for presidential succession when the president is unable to fulfill their duties due to illness or absence from the country. This article stipulates that the executive Vice president temporarily assumes the presidency.
This constitutional provision has been invoked several times in Venezuelan history, most recently during Hugo Chávez’s prolonged illness and subsequent death in 2013. The current invocation follows a similar pattern, with Maduro citing the need for specialized medical attention unavailable in Venezuela.
On January 19, 2026, Maduro announced his trip to Havana, cuba, for unspecified medical reasons, stating he would return “as soon as possible.” The Ultimas Noticias reported that the treatment will focus on a recurring cardiovascular issue.
Delcy Rodríguez‘s Political Background
Delcy Rodríguez is a prominent figure in Venezuelan politics, having served in various high-ranking positions under both Hugo chávez and Nicolás Maduro. She currently holds the position of Executive Vice President, a role she has held as August 2018.
Prior to becoming Vice President, Rodríguez served as the Minister of Foreign Affairs from 2014 to 2018, during which time she was a vocal defender of the Maduro government amidst international criticism and sanctions. She also served as the President of the national Assembly from 2016 to 2018, a period marked by political polarization and a constitutional crisis. Her appointment as Vice president followed the re-election of Maduro in May 2018, an election widely disputed by the opposition and international observers. The Human Rights Watch documented numerous irregularities during the election process.
Rodríguez is a lawyer by training and a founding member of the United Socialist Party of Venezuela (PSUV). She is considered a staunch loyalist to Maduro and a key figure in maintaining the government’s control amidst ongoing economic and political challenges.
International reactions and Concerns
The transfer of power to Delcy Rodríguez has drawn mixed reactions from the international community. The United States State Department issued a statement on January 20, 2026, reiterating its lack of recognition of the maduro regime and calling for free and fair elections. The statement emphasized that the U.S. continues to recognise the legitimacy of the opposition-controlled National Assembly.
The European Union has expressed concern over the lack of transparency surrounding Maduro’s health and the circumstances of his departure. A press release from the High Representative of the Union for Foreign Affairs and Security policy called for a clear and constitutional process for succession, and urged all parties to refrain from actions that could further destabilize the country.
Regional actors, including Colombia and brazil, have adopted a more cautious approach, emphasizing the need for a peaceful resolution to the political crisis. The Brazilian Ministry of foreign Affairs released a statement on January 21, 2026, expressing its hope for a swift and peaceful return to constitutional order.
