Caracas: Venezuelans are engulfed in confusion as questions arise over who is governing their country following a dramatic intervention by the United States. The situation intensified after U.S. President Donald Trump announced the detention of Venezuelan leader Nicol¡s Maduro, claiming that Vice President Delcy Rodriguez had expressed willingness to comply with U.S. demands.
According to Thai News Agency, the tension has led citizens, particularly in Caracas, to stockpile essential supplies and fuel, fearing potential unrest. Trump's assertions during a press conference hinted at Rodriguez being sworn in as president, a claim she vehemently denied in a televised address. During her appearance, Rodriguez maintained her role as Vice President, condemned the U.S. actions, and showed no intention of cooperating with the foreign intervention.
The Venezuelan Supreme Court has responded by appointing Rodriguez as acting president. However, the national constitution mandates that an election be conducted within a month following a presidential vacancy. Experts, however, are skeptical about the feasibility of such elections due to the current government's low popularity and the recent U.S. military presence.
Meanwhile, Maria Corina Machado, an opposition leader and recent Nobel Peace Prize laureate, has issued a statement from exile in Europe, expressing her readiness to rebuild and govern Venezuela. Machado asserted that her ally, Edmundo Gonzalez, rightfully won the 2024 presidential election, despite the Maduro administration's refusal to acknowledge his victory. President Trump, however, has expressed doubt over Machado's ability to lead, citing her lack of domestic support.
As tensions escalate, the future governance of Venezuela remains uncertain, with international and internal stakeholders closely monitoring the unfolding political crisis.