Venezuela acting president replaces long-time defense minister

Acting President Delcy Rodríguez has removed veteran General Vladimir Padrino López from his post as defense minister, appointing intelligence-linked General Gustavo González López in a move widely seen as part of a broader effort to consolidate control over the armed forces.

In a message published on Telegram, Rodríguez thanked Padrino for his loyalty and service to the homeland, adding that the long-serving military chief would take on new responsibilities within the state structure.

Padrino had led Venezuela’s defence ministry since late 2014, making him one of the most enduring figures in the country’s political-military hierarchy.

The appointment of González López marks a significant shift in Venezuela’s security leadership at a time of heightened political uncertainty.

The new defense minister has held a series of key roles in intelligence and internal security, including heading the Bolivarian National Intelligence Service (SEBIN) and overseeing military counterintelligence operations.

Analysts say his elevation reflects an emphasis on ensuring cohesion within the armed forces — an institution that plays a decisive role in Venezuela’s power structure.

Sources cited by international media have suggested that Padrino was kept in office following the capture of former president Nicolás Maduro in order to maintain stability within a military establishment fragmented across numerous commands and business networks.

Padrino’s career began decades earlier in ceremonial and operational roles, including service in the presidential guard during the era of late leader Hugo Chávez.

His influence expanded under Maduro, who appointed him defense minister amid growing domestic unrest and international pressure.

Over more than a decade in office, he became a central figure linking the government and the armed forces.

González López, by contrast, is closely associated with Venezuela’s intelligence apparatus and is viewed as a hardline security figure.

His appointment is expected to reinforce executive control over the military at a time when loyalty and command cohesion are seen as critical to political survival.

While the leadership change ends one of the longest tenures in Venezuela’s defense ministry, observers note that both the outgoing and incoming ministers belong to the same governing establishment.

As a result, the reshuffle is being interpreted less as a policy shift and more as a strategic recalibration aimed at strengthening internal security and consolidating authority during a volatile transitional period.

Further cabinet adjustments are widely anticipated as the acting administration continues to reshape the security and political landscape.