Venezuela’s interim President Delcy Rodriguez announced on Telegram that she is replacing long-serving defence minister General Vladimir Padrino. Rodriguez thanked Padrino for his service and said he will take on unspecified new responsibilities. The announcement did not explain why he was removed.

Who is Vladimir Padrino?

Padrino, 62, had led Venezuela’s military since 2014 and served about 11 years as defence minister. He was a close ally of former President Nicolas Maduro. During his tenure the armed forces have faced repeated allegations of corruption and violent crackdowns on protesters. Critics also say the military expanded its reach into key parts of the economy, including mining, oil and food distribution.

The new defence chief

Rodriguez said Padrino will be replaced by General Gustavo Gonzalez Lopez. Gonzalez Lopez previously ran Venezuela’s domestic intelligence service and has worked in the management of state oil company PDVSA. Both Padrino and Gonzalez Lopez are subject to US sanctions linked to allegations of human rights abuses and corruption.

Political context

This personnel change is the latest cabinet shake-up since early January, when the United States launched a military operation targeting President Maduro and his wife Cilia Flores. The interim government led by Rodriguez has already seen several high-level departures, including ombudsman Alfredo Ruiz and attorney general Tarek William Saab. Saab later moved into the interim ombudsman role.

Pressure and reform

  • United Nations findings: A UN fact-finding mission reported that much of Maduro’s government structure remains intact and that legal and institutional systems that enabled serious human rights violations are still in place.
  • Steps taken by Rodriguez: Her interim administration has freed hundreds of political prisoners and approved a general amnesty law. Rights groups warn the law contains loopholes that could allow continued political repression.
  • US involvement: The United States has pressured the Venezuelan authorities to open nationalised oil and mining sectors to foreign investment and has sought tighter control over oil sales. The US embassy in Caracas resumed operations recently after a multi-year closure.

Where this leaves Venezuela

Rodriguez, who had served as Maduro’s vice president before January, has cooperated with US officials while still calling for the release of Maduro and Flores. The replacement of a defence minister who has been a central military figure for more than a decade highlights the continued churn at the top of Venezuela’s state apparatus. Observers will watch whether the staffing changes translate into institutional reform, or whether the same structures of power remain intact under new names.