Venezuela's National Assembly formally swore in Delcy Rodríguez as interim president on Monday, just two days after a US military operation captured her predecessor, Nicolás Maduro, and transported him to New York to face drug trafficking charges.
Rodríguez, who previously served as Maduro's vice president, took the oath before lawmakers in a session marked by strong support for the ousted leader.
"I take this oath in the name of all Venezuelans. I am in pain over the kidnapping of our heroes, the hostages in the United States," she declared, referring to Maduro and his wife, Cilia Flores, who were also detained.
The Assembly reelected Rodríguez's brother, Jorge Rodríguez, as parliament speaker, further consolidating influence within the ruling United Socialist Party of Venezuela (PSUV).
Jorge Rodríguez vowed to pursue "all procedures, all platforms, and all avenues" to secure Maduro's return, calling him "my brother, my president.
"Maduro's son, Nicolás Maduro Guerra, addressed the chamber, pledging family loyalty: "Count on me, count on my family. Venezuela is in good hands until my parents return."
He emphasized Venezuela's call for "respect" in international relations, without "threats and without interference.
"The session began with chants of "Let’s go Nico!" a slogan from Maduro's controversial 2024 reelection campaign, widely condemned as fraudulent.
Despite the unified front inside parliament where PSUV allies hold a supermajority following opposition-boycotted elections last year protests erupted outside, with thousands marching in support of Maduro.
One demonstrator told reporters: "Regardless of whether Nicolás Maduro has something to answer for in court, this was not the way to do it."
The US operation, authorized by President Donald Trump, involved airstrikes and naval support on January 3.
Venezuelan officials condemned it as an act of imperialism, with one lawmaker accusing Trump of acting as "the prosecutor, the judge, and the policeman of the world."
Tensions lingered in Caracas, with reports of gunfire near the Miraflores presidential palace and drone activity overhead, though authorities claimed the situation was under control.
Venezuela's Supreme Court had cleared Rodríguez to assume acting presidency on Saturday, followed by military endorsements. Rodríguez has signaled openness to dialogue with Washington, which has demanded policy reforms and oil sector access.
Trump has warned of consequences if she fails to comply.Maduro, meanwhile, pleaded not guilty in a US court appearance, insisting he remains Venezuela's legitimate president.
The dramatic transition has heightened uncertainty in the oil-rich nation, amid international condemnation of the US action and domestic divisions.
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