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.