Venezuela's Supreme Court has ordered Vice President Delcy Rodríguez to assume the role of acting president following the reported capture of President Nicolás Maduro by U.S. forces, according to Saturday media reports. The unprecedented development marks a critical juncture in Venezuela’s political landscape, with regional analysts closely monitoring its implications for stability in Latin America and global energy markets.
Rodríguez, a staunch Maduro ally who previously served as vice president since 2022, now faces the challenge of maintaining governance amid heightened tensions. The court’s decision comes as Venezuela prepares for scheduled parliamentary elections later this year, raising questions about electoral timelines and constitutional processes.
Asian markets reacted cautiously to the news, with crude oil prices experiencing moderate volatility given Venezuela’s status as a major petroleum exporter. Business leaders across Asia are assessing potential supply chain impacts, particularly for energy-dependent economies like Japan and South Korea.
International responses remain divided, with several Asian governments calling for restraint. A spokesperson for the Chinese Foreign Ministry emphasized the importance of non-interference in sovereign affairs during a press briefing earlier today, reflecting Beijing’s consistent stance on such matters.
