Summary
Venezuela's interim President, Delcy Rodriguez, announced the replacement of the country's longtime Defence Minister, General Vladimir Padrino. General Gustavo Gonzalez Lopez will take over the position. Rodriguez's announcement follows several changes in the Venezuelan government amid international pressures and recent U.S. actions.
Key Facts
- Delcy Rodriguez is Venezuela’s interim President.
- General Vladimir Padrino, the former Defence Minister, has been replaced.
- General Gustavo Gonzalez Lopez will be the new Defence Minister.
- The U.S. launched a military operation in January to abduct Nicolas Maduro and his wife.
- Padrino and other officials have been accused by human rights groups of abuses and corruption.
- President Rodriguez’s government has released political prisoners and passed an amnesty law.
- The U.S. is pushing Venezuela to open its oil and mining sectors to foreign investments.
- The U.S. embassy in Venezuela recently reopened after being closed for seven years.
