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Venezuelan President Delcy Rodriguez has removed Defence Minister Vladimir Padrino Lopez, bringing an end to his nearly decade-long leadership of the country’s military.
In announcing the decision, Rodriguez acknowledged his years of service, stating his loyalty and commitment to the country throughout his tenure. She also indicated that he would be assigned new responsibilities, but did not provide further details.
No reason was given for the change.
“We are confident that he will undertake the new responsibilities entrusted to him with the same commitment and honor,” Rodriguez said, without specifying what those responsibilities would be.
Padrino, 62, had served as defence minister since 2014 and was regarded as a key ally of former president Nicolas Maduro within the military leadership.
Rodriguez, who assumed power after Maduro was removed in January, has appointed Gustavo Gonzalez Lopez as the new defence minister. Gonzalez Lopez had recently been placed in charge of the presidential guard and the country’s counter-intelligence agency.
The military remains a powerful institution in Venezuela, overseeing key sectors including oil, mining, food distribution, customs operations and several government ministries, despite ongoing concerns over corruption and abuse.
