Venezuela has entered a new political chapter following the dramatic capture of its former leader. The country's parliament formally installed Delcy Rodriguez as the interim president on Monday, January 5, 2026. This historic move came just two days after a stunning military operation by the United States.
A Swift Transition of Power
The National Assembly convened to oversee the swearing-in ceremony. Rodriguez, who previously served as vice president under Nicolas Maduro, took the oath of office before the gathered lawmakers. In her address, she expressed profound distress over the fate of her predecessor. "I take this oath in the name of all Venezuelans. I am in pain over the kidnapping of our heroes, the hostages in the United States," Rodriguez stated. She was referring directly to Maduro and his wife, Cilia Flores.
The political consolidation within the Rodriguez family became immediately apparent during the same parliamentary session. Lawmakers re-elected Jorge Rodriguez, Delcy's brother, to continue serving as the speaker of the National Assembly. This dual appointment effectively places control of both the executive and legislative branches of the Venezuelan government in the hands of the two siblings.
Family Vows and Continuity Assurances
Jorge Rodriguez used his platform to make a firm commitment to his deposed ally. Addressing the assembly, he declared, "All procedures, all platforms, and all avenues will be pursued to bring back Nicolas Maduro Moros, my brother, my president." His words underscored the deep political and personal bonds at play in this crisis.
The family-first message was reinforced by Nicolas Maduro Guerra, the son of the captured leader. He stood before the assembly to pledge his family's unwavering support for the new interim administration. "Count on me, count on my family. Venezuela is in good hands until my parents return," he assured the nation, signaling a promise of stability and continuity despite the unprecedented circumstances.
The Capture and Court Appearance
The chain of events leading to this transition began in the early hours of Saturday, January 3, 2026. United States military forces executed a series of targeted strikes on Venezuelan territory. The primary objective was the capture of President Nicolas Maduro and his wife, Cilia Flores. The operation was successful, and the couple was swiftly transported to New York to face justice.
By Monday, January 5, Maduro stood before a federal court in the United States. He entered a plea of not guilty to serious drug trafficking charges levied against him. In a defiant statement, the deposed Venezuelan leader proclaimed his innocence and described himself as a "decent man." His trial marks a significant escalation in the long-standing tensions between Venezuela and the United States.
The swift installation of Delcy Rodriguez and the consolidation of power within her family suggest a strategy to project strength and normalcy. However, the nation now navigates an uncertain future, with its former leader detained abroad and a new, untested president at the helm facing immense international and domestic challenges.
