Caracas (Venezuela) [Venezuela], January 29 (HBTV): Venezuela’s military and police forces have publicly pledged loyalty to interim President Delcy Rodriguez, consolidating her position following the removal of former President Nicolas Maduro, according to Al Jazeera.
The pledge was made during a ceremony held on January 28 at the Military Academy of the Bolivarian Army in Caracas, where senior defence and security officials expressed support for Rodriguez’s leadership. Defence Minister Vladimir Padrino said, ‘We swear absolute loyalty and subordination,’ while presenting her with symbolic military regalia, recognising her authority as commander-in-chief. He described the occasion as ‘an unprecedented moment in our republic’.
Interior Minister Diosdado Cabello also pledged the support of Venezuela’s police forces, stating that backing Rodriguez was essential ‘because we feel that to defend your rule is to defend the continuity of the government and the integrity of the Venezuelan people’.
Rodriguez assumed the presidency earlier this month following the capture of Maduro and his wife by US forces. Since then, she has taken steps including the release of political prisoners detained under the previous administration and has sought to address domestic divisions while managing international relations.
The circumstances surrounding Maduro’s removal and Rodriguez’s assumption of power have drawn international attention. Speaking in connection with the ceremony, Rodriguez said, ‘Those who seek to perpetuate harm and damage against the people of Venezuela, let them stay in Washington.’
Opposition leaders have questioned Rodriguez’s legitimacy and her ability to govern, while the international community continues to closely monitor developments as Venezuela faces ongoing political, economic and security challenges. (ANI)