Interim Venezuela Leader Promises Fresh Start After Maduro Exit

Venezuela is entering what its interim president Delcy Rodríguez has described as a “new political era” following the capture and removal of long-time leader Nicolas Maduro by US forces earlier this month. Speaking from the presidential palace in Caracas, Rodríguez pledged greater tolerance, dialogue, and ideological diversity after more than a decade of authoritarian rule. She framed her leadership as transitional and unifying rather than partisan.

Rodríguez, formerly Maduro’s vice president, assumed power after US President Donald Trump endorsed her temporary leadership, citing stability concerns. In doing so, Washington sidelined opposition figure Maria Corina Machado, arguing she lacked broad national support. Machado, however, is set to meet Trump in Washington to advocate for a democratic transition and recognition of opposition-backed electoral outcomes from 2024.

The interim government has emphasized prisoner releases as evidence of reform, announcing that more than 400 detainees have been freed since December. Independent rights groups dispute the figures, placing the number far lower, but confirm that releases have accelerated in recent days. Among those freed are journalists, political activists, and several foreign nationals, including Americans and Europeans.

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Notable releases include journalist and opposition activist Roland Carreño, detained during post-election protests, and political analyst Nicmer Evans. Authorities have deliberately avoided public displays of celebration, releasing detainees quietly to prevent unrest or backlash from Maduro loyalists. Security forces and intelligence agencies remain largely controlled by figures aligned with the former regime.

Rodríguez faces a delicate balancing act, attempting to satisfy US demands—particularly regarding oil access and political reforms—while maintaining internal stability. The United States has indicated that further military action was considered but paused following recent concessions, including prisoner releases and limited civil liberties restoration.

One symbolic shift came with the restoration of access to social media platform X, blocked for over a year under Maduro. Rodríguez updated her profile to “acting president,” calling for unity, economic stability, and social justice. Meanwhile, Maduro’s account resurfaced with a personal image, underscoring that Venezuela’s transition remains uncertain and deeply contested.

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