As Venezuela faces its most severe geopolitical crisis in years following U.S. confirmation of the detention of President Nicolás Maduro, Vice President Delcy Rodríguez has emerged as the most visible and consequential figure within the Venezuelan state apparatus.
According to four sources close to the Venezuelan government cited by Reuters, Rodríguez is currently in Russia, a detail that underscores both the international dimension of the crisis and her role as a key diplomatic and political operator for the Maduro government. Early Saturday morning, Rodríguez publicly stated that she does not know the whereabouts of President Maduro or First Lady Cilia Flores, following what the Venezuelan government has described as a U.S. military attack on the country.
In a recorded audio message broadcast on state television and reported by Reuters, Rodríguez demanded immediate proof of life for both Maduro and Flores, directly addressing the U.S. government after President Donald Trump announced that U.S. forces had captured and evacuated them from Venezuela.
“We demand from the government of President Donald Trump immediate proof of life of President Maduro and the first lady,” Rodríguez said.
A Vice President With Real Power
Delcy Rodríguez is not a ceremonial figure. She is first in the constitutional line of succession and one of the most influential officials in Venezuela’s current power structure.
A lawyer by training, Rodríguez has held some of the most strategically important positions in the Venezuelan state over the past decade, including:
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Minister of Foreign Affairs, where she became known for her confrontational defense of the Maduro government on the international stage
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President of the National Constituent Assembly, a body central to consolidating executive power
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Vice President of the Republic, a post she has held since 2018
Her role places her at the intersection of governance, military coordination, and foreign policy, making her the primary voice of continuity at a moment when the presidency itself is in question.
Maintaining State Control Amid Uncertainty
In her statement, Rodríguez confirmed that Venezuela’s “integral national defense plans” remain active, following the government’s declaration of a state of emergency in response to what it calls a “grave military aggression” by the United States.
That message aligns closely with statements from Defense Minister Vladimir Padrino López, who described the bombardment as the “most criminal military aggression” Venezuela has faced and announced the deployment of all defense capabilities, including land, air, naval, riverine, and missile forces.
Rodríguez’s messaging has emphasized order, institutional continuity, and resistance, positioning herself as the civilian counterpart to the military leadership at a moment when the government is attempting to project stability despite uncertainty at the top.
Legal and International Escalation
Attorney General Tarek William Saab reinforced Rodríguez’s position by calling for an end to what he described as the “kidnapping” of Maduro and Flores. Saab appealed directly to the United Nations and international human rights organizations, urging them to respond to alleged civilian casualties and violations of international law.
Rodríguez has echoed those appeals, framing the crisis not only as a national emergency but as an international legal dispute, a strategy consistent with her long-standing role as the government’s chief defender in global forums.
Why Rodríguez’s Role Matters Now
With Maduro’s status unresolved and conflicting narratives dominating international headlines, Delcy Rodríguez has become the central node of authority inside Venezuela—the official tasked with:
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Demanding accountability from the United States
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Coordinating civilian and military responses
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Managing diplomatic outreach from abroad
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Projecting continuity of governance to both domestic and international audiences
For Venezuelans inside the country and for millions in the diaspora across the United States and Latin America, Rodríguez’s next moves will be critical indicators of whether the crisis escalates further or enters a prolonged period of political and legal confrontation.
What to Watch Next
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Confirmation of Maduro and Flores’ condition and legal status
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Any formal assumption of expanded executive powers by Rodríguez
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Diplomatic moves involving Russia, the United Nations, and regional governments
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Signals from the Venezuelan military regarding internal cohesion
Editorial note: Parriva.com will continue to update this story as verifiable information emerges, clearly distinguishing confirmed facts from official claims, in keeping with our commitment to accuracy and public trust.
