Shake-up in Venezuela's regime: Vladimir Padrino removed as Minister of Defense
This Wednesday, March 18, Venezuela's interim president, Delcy Rodríguez, shook up the regime. This comes just a few weeks before the three-month mark since Nicolás Maduro was extracted.
TL;DR
- Vladimir Padrino López has been removed as Venezuela's Minister of Defense after over 10 years in the position.
- The announcement was made by interim president Delcy Rodríguez on March 18, 2026.
- Nicolás Maduro was extracted on January 3, 2026, and is currently awaiting trial in New York.
- Delcy Rodríguez has maintained a positive relationship with the Trump administration and has released political prisoners.
- Gustavo González López will replace Padrino as Minister of Defense.
- Other new appointments include ministers for Habitat and Housing, Electric Energy, Public Works and Services, Transportation, Social Work Process, and leadership roles in the Presidential Honor Guard and DGCIM.