Venezuelas Defence Minister Vladimir Padrino Replaced by Delcy Rodriguez

Venezuela’s interim President Delcy Rodriguez has announced that General Vladimir Padrino, who served as the country’s defense minister for 11 years, will be leaving his post. According to a statement posted on Telegram, Rodriguez thanked Padrino for his loyalty and stated that he would be given unspecified “new responsibilities.” No explanation was provided for the change.

This move follows a series of cabinet-level shake-ups in the Venezuelan government since January 3, when the United States launched a military operation targeting former President Nicolas Maduro and his wife. Other officials closely associated with Maduro have also departed or resigned, including government ombudsman Alfredo Ruiz and attorney general Tarek William Saab.

Padrino has led the country’s military since 2014 and has been accused of corruption and human rights abuses during his tenure. Critics have noted that the military’s influence extends into key sectors of the economy. A United Nations fact-finding mission recently reported that much of Maduro’s government remains in place, with little sign of accountability for human rights violations.

President Rodriguez’s administration has taken steps to implement reforms since taking office, including releasing hundreds of political prisoners and passing a general amnesty law. However, rights advocates have pointed out loopholes in the legislation that could continue to allow for political repression.

US President Donald Trump has been pressing the Venezuelan government to open its nationalized oil and mining sector to foreign investment and control oil sales. The US embassy in Caracas officially resumed activities last week after a seven-year hiatus. General Gustavo Gonzalez Lopez will replace Padrino as defense minister, both of whom have faced US sanctions based on allegations of human rights abuses and corruption.

Source: Al Jazeera