Delcy Rodríguez continues as acting president of Venezuela following the expiration of her initial 90-day appointment.

In a significant political development in Venezuela, Delcy Rodríguez has continued to serve as the country’s acting president, surpassing the 90-day limit originally established by the nation’s high court in the wake of Nicolás Maduro’s capture earlier this year. The political landscape remains uncertain, as the National Assembly has yet to conduct a public vote to formally extend her term past the recent deadline.

The high court’s ruling categorized Maduro’s absence as a result of a “kidnapping,” thereby preventing him from fulfilling his presidential duties. According to the Venezuelan constitution, the vice president is intended to assume responsibilities during temporary absences, a role that Rodríguez previously occupied. The interim appointment is subject to extension by the National Assembly, which could authorize a further 90 days or call a snap election if they choose to declare the position permanently vacant.

Legal experts, including Ronal Rodríguez from the Venezuela Observatory at Colombia’s Universidad del Rosario, suggest that the Maduro administration has historically interpreted legal provisions flexibly to maintain power. It is anticipated that the government may devise a rationale to justify extending Rodríguez’s appointment, possibly invoking various legal technicalities. Ultimately, any such extension is expected to receive validation from the Supreme Tribunal of Justice, which has acted as a key ally for the ruling regime.

The backdrop to this political maneuvering includes the high-profile capture of Maduro and his spouse, Cilia Flores, in early January. Currently facing drug trafficking charges in the United States, both individuals have pleaded not guilty. Following their apprehension, Rodríguez, supported by other members of the ruling party, has characterized their situation as a kidnapping and demanded their release, a sentiment echoed through various public displays throughout Caracas.

The Trump administration’s unexpected decision to collaborate with Rodríguez after Maduro’s ouster rather than with the political opposition has shifted the dynamics of governance in Venezuela. Rodríguez has since engaged in efforts to revitalize the nation’s economy, appealing to international investors and reforming the oil sector and other economic policies. Furthermore, she has replaced several key officials within the government.

Recently, the U.S. Treasury Department lifted sanctions against Rodríguez, and the State Department recognized her as Venezuela’s “sole Head of State,” marking a notable shift in U.S. foreign policy since the Trump administration withdrew recognition from Maduro in 2019 following a controversial election widely considered fraudulent.

As these developments unfold, the future of Venezuela’s political leadership remains precarious, with significant implications for both domestic stability and international relations.