Caracas, Venezuela, January 29 (ANI): Venezuela’s military and police forces have publicly pledged their loyalty to interim President Delcy Rodriguez, consolidating her hold on power following the dramatic removal of former President Nicolas Maduro, Al Jazeera reported.
The show of support comes as Rodriguez navigates intense domestic pressures and heightened international scrutiny over her leadership.
The pledge of allegiance was made during a ceremony on January 28 at the Military Academy of the Bolivarian Army in Caracas, where senior defense and security officials rallied behind the interim president. Defense Minister Vladimir Padrino, in an emphatic declaration, said, “We swear absolute loyalty and subordination,” as he presented Rodriguez with symbolic military regalia, underscoring the armed forces’ recognition of her authority as commander in chief.
Padrino described the event as “an unprecedented moment in our republic,” reflecting the historic nature of the endorsement and the importance of unity among the security services at a critical juncture.
Interior Minister Diosdado Cabello, speaking on behalf of Venezuela’s police forces, also pledged loyalty to Rodriguez, saying that supporting her leadership was vital “because we feel that to defend your rule is to defend the continuity of the government and the integrity of the Venezuelan people.”
Rodriguez assumed the presidency following the US military’s capture of Maduro and his wife earlier this month, according to the report. Since taking office, she has sought to consolidate her position while addressing internal divisions and external pressures. Her early actions have included the release of political prisoners detained under Maduro’s government and efforts to manage Venezuela’s complex relations with international actors.
The United States’ role in Maduro’s removal and Rodriguez’s installation has made her leadership highly controversial. In remarks linked to the ceremony, Rodriguez appeared to draw a contrast with opposition figures abroad, saying, “Those who seek to perpetuate harm and damage against the people of Venezuela, let them stay in Washington.”
The political landscape in Venezuela remains tense. Key opposition figures have questioned Rodriguez’s legitimacy and ability to govern effectively, with some arguing that her leadership lacks broad public confidence. Meanwhile, the international community continues to closely watch how Venezuela’s government balances internal security, economic challenges, and relations with both allies and adversaries, Al Jazeera reported.
The loyalty pledge by Venezuela’s military and police marks a critical moment in the country’s ongoing upheaval and could play a decisive role in shaping its future governance and stability.
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