Chavismo stays ahead in Venezuela, with more options in the US transition than the opposition
With Nicolás Maduro removed from the equation after his capture in the U.S. raid on Saturday, Venezuela continues to be governed by an interim administration led by Delcy Rodríguez, which appears to retain control of the military.
The Venezuelan Supreme Court ordered on Sunday noon that Delcy Rodríguez assume the presidency on an interim basis. Hours later she chaired the first cabinet meeting without Maduro.
Rodríguez’s first public appearance after the raid was a demand for Maduro’s release and a denunciation of an “imperialist coup.” Defense Minister Vladimir Padrino López described the U.S. action on national television as a “criminal military aggression,” “vile” and “cowardly.”
Later, after meeting with other members of the government, Rodríguez addressed the United States and President Donald Trump in a markedly conciliatory tone, asserting that “our country aspires to live without external threats, in an environment of respect and international cooperation.”
“We consider it a priority to move toward a balanced and respectful international relationship between the United States and Venezuela, based on sovereign equality and non‑interference.”
“President Donald Trump: our peoples and our region deserve peace and dialogue, not war.” – Delcy Rodríguez
The apparent passivity of Venezuela’s armed forces during the U.S. attack raises serious doubts about whether the military leadership is sufficiently cohesive and willing to confront an overwhelmingly superior adversary such as the U.S. army.
Transition From Washington Without Venezuelan Opposition
From Washington, officials announced in the early hours of the operation that no further attacks would follow. In a press conference led by President Trump, the option of a U.S.‑backed transition was left open. Trump stated that “we will govern the country until we can carry out a safe and proper transition.”
He also warned, “we cannot risk someone else taking power in Venezuela without considering the interests of the Venezuelan people,” which seemed to exclude the participation of Venezuelan opposition figures in any future government.
Media outlets such as Bloomberg and El País reported that Washington is exploring Delcy Rodríguez as a “useful interlocutor” to ensure minimal institutional continuity and control over the armed forces. The exact timing, scope, and conditions of a U.S.‑directed intervention remain unclear.
María Corina Machado Lacks Broad Support
Analysts and major news outlets argue that opposition leaders like María Corina Machado—recently awarded a Nobel Peace Prize—do not enjoy sufficient popular backing. The White House has barely mentioned the opposition, and when it has, it has done so to discredit them. President Trump remarked that “it would be very hard for her to be the leader, because although she is a good woman, she does not have the support or respect of the country.”
Initially, the Venezuelan opposition kept a low profile, avoiding any claim to the operation. It was not until Saturday, the third day after the raid, that Machado issued a public open letter on social media celebrating the “liberation of the Venezuelan people.”
Regarding Edmundo González—widely recognized by international actors, including the United States, as the legitimate president after the 2024 elections—his name has disappeared from the debate following the U.S. intervention.
Europe Takes a Low‑Key Stance
The European Union has remained largely silent about the U.S. operation, which was carried out without adhering to the procedures required by international law. In its first official statement on the night of Sunday, January 4, EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas called for “moderation by all actors.”
While urging respect for international law, the EU’s position remains ambiguous. After enthusiastic celebrations of the “brilliant” raid from countries close to Trump, such as Hungary, and condemnation from Germany’s chancellor, the EU issued a message urging “calm and moderation for all actors to avoid escalation and ensure a peaceful solution to the crisis.”
Kallas added, “Respecting the will of the Venezuelan people remains the only way for Venezuela to restore democracy and resolve the current crisis,” reminding that “under any circumstances, the principles of international law and the UN Charter must be respected.”
The European stance, while acknowledging that the U.S. operation was conducted outside legal norms, falls short of the strong condemnation seen in similar scenarios, such as Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.