Venezuela’s Delcy Rodriguez Will Change Minister of Defense, Ousting Powerful Vladimir Padrino in a Sign of Reform
Padrino is a powerful old-guard Bolivarian, and his ousting says a lot about the reform in the Caribbean country.
The pace of reform in Venezuela appears to be quickening, as acting President Delcy Rodriguez moves to replace the feared General Vladimir Padrino as defense minister.
General Gustavo Gonzalez Lopez will now hold the position that Padrino occupied for more than 11 years.
BREAKING: Venezuela president sacks defense minister
— Insider Paper (@TheInsiderPaper) March 18, 2026
Reuters reported:
“In a post on Telegram, Rodriguez thanked Padrino for his service and loyalty to the homeland and said he would be given new responsibilities.
Padrino directed the ceremonial section of the presidential guard under deceased President Hugo Chavez, but his star fully rose under ousted President Nicolas Maduro, who made him defense minister in late 2014.”
NEW
Venezuela’s acting president Delcy Rodríguez has removed Defense Minister Vladimir Padrino López from his position. pic.twitter.com/i1EwzoaxxQ
— Open Source Intel (@Osint613) March 18, 2026
Rodriguez replacing the loyalist military chief is a result of her ever-closer relations with the Donald J. Trump administration.
Fox News reported:
“Lopez, who is among several officials sanctioned by the United States and European Union for human rights violations and corruption, was appointed in January the new head of the presidential guard and the General Directorate of Military Counterintelligence.
[…] He previously worked with Rodriguez as head of strategic affairs at PDVSA, the state-owned oil company, which she previously oversaw as energy minister.”
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