On 18/3, Venezuela's Interim President Delcy Rodriguez announced the dismissal of Defense Minister Vladimir Padrino Lopez, who had led the country's military for nearly one decade under former president Nicolas Maduro.

She appointed General Gustavo Gonzalez Lopez as his replacement. Gonzalez Lopez previously headed the Sebin intelligence agency. A few days after Maduro was captured by the US, the general was appointed head of the presidential guard and the counter-intelligence bureau.

In her announcement regarding the personnel change, Rodriguez thanked Lopez for his contributions but did not explain the reason for this important leadership change.

New Defense Minister Gustavo Gonzalez Lopez at an event in Caracas, Venezuela on 18/3. Photo: AP

New Defense Minister Gustavo Gonzalez Lopez at an event in Caracas, Venezuela on 18/3. Photo: AP

Padrino Lopez, 62 years old, expressed on Telegram that leading the military and defending national peace was "the greatest honor of my life". He was a key ally of former president Maduro.

Observers suggest that the decision to bring Gonzalez Lopez into the cabinet reflects a spirit of reform in the post-Maduro era. Rodriguez had previously also changed the ministers of electric power, housing, transportation, and labor.

After the US launched an operation to capture Maduro in January, Rodriguez became the country's leader and is facing many challenges in governing a nation believed to possess the world's largest oil reserves. She has reformed oil regulations and issued an amnesty law.

Thanh Tam (According to AFP)