Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro has made significant changes to his cabinet amidst ongoing tensions following his controversial re-election. Maduro appointed new ministers for the oil, finance, and interior portfolios, including Anabel Pereira as finance minister and Hector Obregon as head of state oil company PDVSA. Vice President Delcy Rodriguez will assume additional responsibilities as oil minister. Former vice president Diosdado Cabello will now serve as interior, justice, and peace minister. Maduro described the changes as a “profound renovation” of the government to meet the people’s needs.
The reshuffling comes after a disputed election in July, with both Maduro and the opposition claiming victory. Election observers, opposition members, and regional leaders have cast doubt on the results, calling for transparency in the vote tally data. The opposition has released its own data showing they outperformed Maduro by a significant margin. The government has cracked down on protests and opposition leaders, including opening an investigation into claims that the opposition won the election. Prominent opposition figure Edmundo Gonzalez Urrutia has ignored summons to testify in the investigation.
There are growing calls for Maduro to step down amidst domestic unrest and international pressure. Opposition leader Maria Corina Machado believes street protests and external pressure could force Maduro’s resignation, but the president has shown no signs of relinquishing power. The changes in the cabinet could signal Maduro’s attempt to quell dissent and consolidate his position amid ongoing challenges to his legitimacy.
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