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Venezuela's acting president replaces long-time defense minister with intelligence head

Venezuela
# 18 March 2026 22:50 (UTC +04:00)

Venezuela's acting President Delcy Rodriguez said on Wednesday that General Gustavo Gonzalez Lopez will take over as ​defense minister from General Vladimir Padrino, a long-time powerbroker close to ousted President Nicolas Maduro, APA reports citing Reuters.

The change is the most important yet in Rodriguez's cabinet and ‌marks the demotion of a general who controlled Venezuela's sprawling military for 11 years under Maduro.

“I inform the country that today I have appointed Major General Gustavo Gonzalez Lopez as Minister of People’s Power for Defense," Rodriguez said in a post on Telegram, thanking Padrino, 62, for his service and adding he will be given new responsibilities.

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