Venezuela after Maduro's capture: Three scenarios ahead
Illustrative photo: Venezuela faces several possible scenarios (Getty Images)
The situation in Venezuela following the capture of dictator Nicolás Maduro by US forces could develop along three paths: a "constitutional" transfer of power, a military coup, or the complete disintegration of the regime, according to the American news network CNN.
Venezuela’s constitution states that power should pass to the vice president — a position currently held by Delcy Rodríguez. Rodríguez has already said that the Venezuelan government does not know the whereabouts of Maduro or his wife, Cilia Flores.
The country’s future is now highly uncertain, as Venezuela’s opposition considers exiled politician Edmundo González to be the country’s legitimate president. According to the outlet, developments may follow one of three possible scenarios:
The “constitutional” path. Under Article 233 of Venezuela’s constitution, Vice President Delcy Rodríguez would assume power and call elections within 30 days due to the “absolute absence of the president.” A newly elected president would then take office.
Complete disintegration of the regime. Senior officials loyal to Maduro resign or flee the country, leaving a power vacuum. In this scenario, the opposition could take control, led by academic and former diplomat Edmundo González Urrutia. He is currently in exile in Spain and enjoys the support of opposition forces, including the most influential figure among them — Nobel Peace Prize laureate María Corina Machado.
A hardline military coup. Venezuela’s current defense minister, Vladimir Padrino López, said on the morning of January 3 that the country would resist foreign forces and the United States. One possible scenario envisions the military wing of the government staging a coup and transforming into a junta that would assume control of Venezuela.
It should be recalled that on the night of January 2–3, the United States carried out a series of strikes on Venezuela’s capital, Caracas. Explosions were heard in various parts of the city. Government buildings and military bases were targeted.
Later, US President Donald Trump confirmed that a large-scale operation against Venezuela had been carried out, stating that it had been successfully completed. According to him, Venezuelan leader Nicolás Maduro and his wife were detained and removed from the country.
Maduro and his wife are currently being held in custody in the United States. Charges have already been filed against them in the Southern District of New York. Maduro is accused of conspiracy to commit narco-terrorism, conspiracy to import cocaine into the United States, and illegal possession of automatic weapons and destructive devices. He is also accused of conspiring to use such weapons against the United States.
