Nicolás Maduro Guerra Backs New Interim President Delcy Rodríguez
Nicolás Maduro Guerra, son of the imprisoned Venezuelan leader Nicolás Maduro, has expressed his “unconditional support” for the newly appointed interim president Delcy Rodríguez, who previously served as his father’s vice president.
This marks a significant moment for Maduro Guerra, as he spoke publicly for the first time since U.S. forces captured his father and stepmother, Cilia Flores, extraditing them to New York. He, himself a member of the Venezuelan parliament, attended the swearing-in of the National Assembly, which is set to remain in power until 2031, alongside his fellow ruling party members.
In a strong statement, Maduro Guerra described the U.S. action as a “kidnapping,” asserting that “no country is safe when you normalize the kidnapping of heads of state.” He added that this act poses a direct threat not just to Venezuela, but to global political stability.
Delcy Rodríguez has served as vice president since 2018. Despite her opposition to the U.S. military intervention that led to her predecessor’s arrest, she has stated her willingness to collaborate with the Trump administration. “I’m saddened by the suffering endured by the Venezuelan people because of the unjust military invasion of their homeland,” Rodríguez remarked.
Nicolás Maduro and Cilia Flores were apprehended by U.S. forces at their Caracas residence. Following this operation, the Trump administration labeled it a significant success, especially amid ongoing narco-terrorism allegations against the couple. Their capture has generated diverse reactions worldwide, with countries like China and Russia condemning the U.S. actions while some regional allies, such as Argentina, welcomed them.
Amidst this tumultuous backdrop, Venezuelan opposition leader Maria Colina Machado, who recently received the Nobel Peace Prize, expressed her support for the U.S. operation. “This is a groundbreaking move—a huge step for the Venezuelan people and for humanity,” Machado said, emphasizing that January 3 will be remembered as “the day when justice triumphed over tyranny.”
In her vision for a future Venezuela, Machado argues that a free Venezuela would not only strengthen regional security but also become an energy hub, revitalizing its economy and attracting investments. She envisions a nation that will welcome back millions of Venezuelans who have fled and build a prosperous future.
Despite facing significant challenges, Machado, who has been in hiding for over a year, remains determined to return to Venezuela.
