Venezuela’s Supreme Court has instructed Vice President Delcy Rodríguez to assume the role of acting president following the reported detention of President Nicolás Maduro by U.S. military forces.
The Constitutional Chamber of the Supreme Court of Justice issued the order on Saturday, citing the need to maintain governance during what it described as the president’s “forced absence.” According to the ruling, Rodríguez is now tasked with overseeing the “office of President of the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela to ensure administrative continuity and the comprehensive defense of the nation.”
The court also stated that it will hold further deliberations to determine the legal framework for managing the current crisis. “The court will debate the matter to define the applicable legal measures to guarantee state continuity, government administration, and the defense of sovereignty during the forced absence of the President of the Republic,” the ruling added.
Earlier reports confirmed that Maduro was detained early Saturday morning during a U.S.-led operation, triggering significant political and diplomatic reactions both domestically and internationally.
This decision effectively places Rodríguez in control of Venezuela’s executive functions while further legal and political developments unfold. In a subsequent update, Maduro has been transported to New York, United States, to face trial on arms and drug trafficking charges.
Observers are now questioning whether this crisis will unite Venezuelans or further deepen existing divisions. Readers are invited to share their views in the comments.
