Venezuela's interim president, Delcy Rodriguez, announced on 16/1 a cabinet reshuffle, including the merger of the Ministry of Industry with the Ministry of Commerce. Luis Antonio Villegas was appointed to lead the newly merged ministry.

Alex Saab, the former Minister of Industry and a close ally of President Nicolas Maduro, will transition to a different role. "I extend my gratitude to Minister Saab for his contributions to the country. He will undertake other important responsibilities," Rodriguez stated.

Interim president Delcy Rodriguez addresses Venezuela's national assembly on 15/1. *Photo: AP*

Saab, a Venezuelan of Colombian origin, was appointed Minister of Industry in 2024 by President Maduro, following his release by the US in a 2023 prisoner exchange agreement.

Rodriguez also announced the appointment of Anibal Coronado, previously Minister for the Office of the President, as Minister of Transportation. He replaces Ramon Velasquez Araguayan. Freddy Nanez will succeed Coronado at the agency responsible for promoting public policies to protect the Earth and address related environmental concerns.

Miguel Perez Pirela, a philosopher, writer, and media expert, was assigned the position of Minister of Communication and People's Information. Rodriguez commented, "His academic knowledge, experience, and conviction will further strengthen the media battle to protect the truth in Venezuela."

These cabinet changes occurred one day after John Ratcliffe, director of the US Central Intelligence Agency (CIA), met with interim president Rodriguez in Caracas. An unnamed US administration official indicated that Ratcliffe's trip aimed to "convey the message that the US desires improved cooperation with Venezuela."

US President Donald Trump spoke by phone with interim president Rodriguez on 14/1. Following the call, the White House reported that Trump "appreciates what she is doing," while Rodriguez reiterated Caracas's firm stance toward Washington.

"We are well aware of their power," she stated, "However, we are not afraid to implement diplomatic countermeasures through political dialogue."

Hong Hanh (According to AFP)