Venezuela’s political landscape is undergoing a profound transformation following the US-led ouster of longtime leader Nicolas Maduro. Interim President Delcy Rodriguez, addressing her inaugural press conference since Maduro’s capture by US forces on January 3, declared the nation’s entry into a “new political era” characterized by increased tolerance and ideological diversity. Rodriguez, previously Maduro’s deputy, positioned herself as a unifying figure committed to fostering understanding across political divides.
The transition arrangement, sanctioned by US President Donald Trump, mandates Rodriguez’s adherence to Washington’s directives. This development has notably sidelined prominent opposition leader and Nobel Peace Prize laureate Maria Corina Machado, whom Trump deemed insufficiently respected within Venezuela. Machado is scheduled to meet with Trump at the White House to advocate for a democratic transition involving herself and Edmundo Gonzalez Urrutia, the opposition’s 2024 presidential candidate who allegedly lost due to electoral fraud.
A significant confidence-building measure has been the systematic release of political prisoners. Rodriguez claims 406 individuals have been freed since December, with accelerated releases following last week’s governmental shift. Independent verification varies, with the Foro Penal NGO documenting approximately 180 releases and AFP’s count based on opposition data confirming 70 liberations since January 8. Recent releases include 17 journalists and media workers, among them Roland Carreno, a prominent opposition activist detained during post-election protests in August 2024.
Rodriguez navigates a complex balancing act, complying with US demands while maintaining support from Maduro loyalists who retain control over security apparatuses. Prisoner releases have been conducted discreetly at alternative locations to avoid public spectacles. Concurrently, Venezuela has restored access to social media platform X after over a year of blockage, with Rodriguez updating her profile to “acting president” and advocating for national unity toward economic stability and social justice.
International dimensions continue to evolve, with several Spanish and Italian citizens recently freed alongside previous releases of American detainees. Maduro’s X account remains active, featuring a recent post with his wife captioned “We want you back,” indicating ongoing support for the deposed leader.