Venezuela’s Parliament has sworn in Vice President Delcy Rodríguez as interim president after Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro and his wife, Cilia Flores, were captured and flown out of the country by the United States military during an attack in Caracas, the country’s capital.
Maduro was captured after months of pressure over accusations of drug trafficking, illegitimacy in power, and crimes allegedly committed in the U.S. before assuming office.
The parliamentary session, convened amid heightened security and intense political tension, cited constitutional provisions to justify the transfer of power, stating that the move was necessary to preserve institutional stability and prevent a governance vacuum.
Rodríguez, who has signalled her willingness to cooperate with Washington, was sworn in as interim president during a formal ceremony at the National Assembly, telling lawmakers she was assuming the role “in the name of all Venezuelans.”
Thousands of Venezuelans gathered outside the Federal Legislative Palace to show support for Maduro, his wife, and interim president Rodríguez as she was sworn in.
Speaking after taking her oath, Rodríguez told the National Assembly she did so “with pain” because of the suffering caused by “illegitimate military aggression.”
She vowed to guarantee the peace of the country, ensuring “the spiritual tranquillity of our people, the economic and social tranquillity of our people.”
The assembly also heard from Maduro’s son, who expressed his support for his parents, saying that they “will return” to Venezuela. He also offered his “unconditional support” to Rodríguez.
The next court hearing in Maduro’s case has been scheduled for March 17.
