Title: The Shifting Landscape of Venezuelan Politics: A New President and the Power Struggle Within Chavismo The recent appointment of Delcy Rodríguez as Venezuela’s new president has sent shockwaves through the political landscape, but it is not just her ascension to power that should concern observers. The real question lies in the balance of power within the ruling party, Chavismo, and how this could shape the future of Venezuelan politics. Historically, Venezuela’s political scene has been dominated by two main factions: the socialist-leaning United Socialist Party (PSUV) led by former President Hugo Chávez, and the opposition Democratic Unity Roundtable (MUD). The rise to power of Nicolás Maduro after Chávez’s death in 2013 marked a significant shift towards authoritarianism within PSUV. However, it was not until the recent appointment of Delcy Rodríguez that we saw an even more dramatic change in the party dynamics. Rodríguez, who previously served as Venezuela’s Foreign Minister and Vice President under Maduro, is now tasked with leading Chavismo into a new era. But her ascension to power may not be enough to secure stability within the ruling party. The real power brokers in this scenario are likely to be Defense Minister Vladimir Padrino López and Interior Minister Néstor Reverol, both of whom hold significant influence over security forces and could potentially decide the fate of Chavismo itself. The implications of this power struggle cannot be underestimated. If Rodríguez manages to consolidate her position within PSUV while maintaining control over these key ministers, it would signal a return to more moderate policies that might help stabilize Venezuela’s economy and ease tensions with neighboring countries. On the other hand, if infighting between factions continues or if external forces such as the United States intervene in Venezuelan politics, we could see an escalation of violence and instability within the country. From my perspective, this is a critical moment for Venezuela’s political future. The appointment of Delcy Rodríguez marks a significant shift in power dynamics within Chavismo, but it remains to be seen how she will navigate the complex landscape of Venezuelan politics. As an observer from outside the country, I urge all parties involved to prioritize dialogue and diplomacy over violence and conflict. Only by working together can they hope to create a brighter future for Venezuela and its people.
Source: [Original Article](https://www.washingtonpost.com/world/2026/01/07/venezuela-us-maduro-capture/)
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