Delcy Rodríguez Appoints Loyalists Close to Maduro in Cabinet Reshuffle

On Monday, Venezuela's acting president, Delcy Rodríguez, revealed a reorganization within her ministerial team, appointing Captain Juan Escalona, a trusted figure within the Chavista movement and part of Maduro's personal security team, as the head of the Ministry of the Presidential Office.

Escalona is well-known for his close ties to Maduro, often highlighted by the lighthearted jokes the now-detained leader would make during nationally broadcast events.

The promotion is seen as a clear indication of sustained loyalty and internal control at a time the government itself has described as “delicate” for the nation's stability.

In this ministerial reshuffle, Aníbal Coronado departs from the strategic presidential office to lead the Ministry of Ecosocialism, taking over from Ricardo Molina.

Coronado, a familiar presence, is a rear admiral of the Marine Infantry and former aide-de-camp to Maduro, having been part of the inner circle protecting the Chavista leader. His career includes positions linked to state security and the management of strategic territories such as Los Roques and La Orchila.

These shifts occur just days after Rodríguez was sworn in as acting president by order of the Supreme Court, following the capture of Maduro and his wife, Cilia Flores, during a U.S. military operation.

Since then, the executive branch has expedited a power reconfiguration encompassing changes in critical areas like the economy, security, and now, the presidency itself.

In a Telegram message, Rodríguez emphasized Escalona’s “loyalty, capability, and commitment” to ensuring the continuation of the so-called Bolivarian Government's plans. Beyond the formal rhetoric, this message seems aimed at both the internal Chavista base and the international community: the core leadership remains unchanged despite Maduro's absence.