With a solemn demeanor and symbolic gestures, Jorge Rodríguez, brother of Delcy Rodríguez, was re-elected as president of Venezuela's National Assembly on January 5. He used the Parliament's inaugural session to send a direct message following Nicolás Maduro's detention in the United States.
"In the coming days, my role will be to utilize every procedure, every platform, and every space to bring back Nicolás Maduro Moro, my brother, my president," Rodríguez declared to the assembly, while calling for applause for those he termed "fallen heroes of January 3."
The occasion did not go unnoticed. During his swearing-in, Jorge Rodríguez repeated a gesture previously made by Nicolás Maduro after his arrest, as reported by the Alerta Mundial account on X.
This signal was seen as a demonstration of unity and political support amid the uncertainty and emotional impact of the leader's detention.
Rodríguez emphasized that the ruling party is not seeking to escalate conflicts. "We have never sought war. From this sacred land, no soldier has ever set out, no troop has ever initiated a conquest of another territory," he declared, calling for dialogue and rejecting any foreign intervention.
"Anything that comes from outside will always be worse," he stressed, referring to the effects of sanctions and recent tensions.
The parliamentary session was marked by personal and familial references. Fernando Soto Rojas, the oldest deputy and the one who opened the session, described Maduro's detention as a "kidnapping" and harshly criticized the actions of the United States.
Despite his absence, Cilia Flores was sworn in as a deputy, while Nicolás Maduro Guerra, the leader's son, delivered a brief speech defending his father and Flores, using affectionate language.
At the close of the session, Jorge Rodríguez once again assumed the presidency of the Parliament, a position he will hold until 2031, reaffirming the continuity of the ruling party in the Legislative Power during a period of heightened political tension and emotional strain for Maduro's close circle.
His sister, Delcy Rodríguez, is set to be sworn in at the National Assembly's triptych hall, following the Supreme Court's mandate.
Understanding the Political Climate in Venezuela
Why was Nicolás Maduro detained in the United States?
Nicolás Maduro's detention in the United States is linked to allegations of corruption and human rights violations, which have been a point of contention between the US and Venezuela.
What are the implications of Jorge Rodríguez's re-election as president of the National Assembly?
Jorge Rodríguez's re-election signifies the continued dominance of the ruling party in Venezuela's legislative body, which could influence the country's political landscape and its international relations.
How has the international community reacted to the events in Venezuela?
The international community has expressed varying degrees of concern and criticism regarding Venezuela's political situation, with some countries supporting sanctions and others advocating for dialogue and negotiation.