Overview
- Delcy Rodríguez announced a renewed slate for the country’s top commanders to serve under newly appointed Defense Minister Gustavo González López.
- The overhaul came a day after she dismissed Vladimir Padrino, who had overseen the armed forces for most of Nicolás Maduro’s presidency since 2014.
- González López previously led the presidential guard and counterintelligence and earlier headed the intelligence service SEBIN.
- Rodríguez also replaced the ministers of housing, electricity, transport, and labor as part of a broader reshuffle reported since she became interim president.
- Coverage notes these moves accompany policy steps described as taken under U.S. pressure, including opening the oil sector to foreign investors, an amnesty law, and restored diplomatic ties with Washington.