Venezuela Appoints Gustavo González López Defense Minister

Venezuela's acting President Delcy Rodríguez has announced a significant cabinet reshuffle, appointing General Gustavo González López as the new Defense Minister, replacing General Vladimir Padrino López, who held the position for over 11 years. This move is considered the most important change in Rodríguez's cabinet since Nicolás Maduro's removal from power and marks a demotion for Padrino, a long-time powerbroker. González López, who has been sanctioned by the U.S. and EU for alleged human rights violations and corruption, previously served as domestic intelligence director and head of the presidential guard. The appointment is seen as a strategic effort by Rodríguez to consolidate loyalty within her inner circle and centralize negotiations with the United States concerning oil policy, mining operations, and the release of political prisoners. The reshuffle also aims to strengthen Rodríguez's position against political rival Diosdado Cabello. Naval admiral Germán Gómez Larez will take over González López's former role in military counterintelligence, and General Henry Navas will command the presidential guard. Despite these changes, the United Nations noted that Venezuela's repressive apparatus remains intact.