On Sunday, Venezuelan Defense Minister Vladimir Padrino Lopez reaffirmed the support of the Bolivarian National Armed Forces for the constitutional legitimacy of Acting President Delcy Rodriguez.
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Rodriguez assumed leadership of the country after Jan. 3, following a U.S. incursion into Venezuelan territory to kidnap President Nicolas Maduro and first lady Cilia Flores in an illegal operation that left more than 100 people dead.
“The legitimacy of origin of President Delcy Rodriguez is unquestionable. She has had to assume this challenge due to the ‘forced absence’ of President Nicolas Maduro, whom she accompanied as executive vice president during the previous presidential term and in the campaign that led to the electoral victory of July 28, 2024. She was ratified at the start of the current constitutional term,” Padrino Lopez said.
“In a short time, she has earned unquestionable legitimacy through performance by governing effectively, preserving the country’s peace with her democratic and conciliatory leadership, focusing her efforts on economic recovery and, moreover, by understanding with great judgment and stature the geopolitical dynamics that inevitably influence Venezuela’s destiny,” he added.
“Yesterday, from the Bolivarian National Armed Forces and the state security agencies, we solemnly recognized her as our commander in chief and reaffirmed our loyalty and patriotic commitment to her,” Padrino Lopez said.
“Despite the threats against Venezuela and the attack suffered on Jan. 3, I reaffirm what I expressed on several occasions to my fellow service members at the end of last year: I see 2026 with great optimism. Let’s go,” he concluded.
