Venezuela's Rodriguez re-elected assembly president
The National Assembly of Venezuela re-elected Jorge Rodriguez Gomez as its president for the 2025-2026 legislative term, supported by an overwhelming majority.
The session commenced with Rodriguez formally declaring his victory, citing the presence of the necessary quorum and introducing special foreign guests, indigenous community representatives, and newly elected Justices of the Peace. The event marked the beginning of the fifth term of office for the assembly.
Rodriguez, reaffirmed as president, emphasized the importance of dialogue and peace, declaring, "Peace is with us... Dialogue will be with us, the free exchange of ideas will be the mark of the future we are building." He highlighted the upcoming January 10 swearing-in of re-elected President Nicolas Maduro, referring to him as "the driver of victory and a leader of continental significance."
Moreover, speaking on the issue of opposition leader Edmundo Gonzalez, Rodriguez underlined that Caracas is "obligated to apply the law to Edmundo Gonzalez," stressing that if he were to set foot on Venezuelan soil, "We will arrest him on charges of treason and usurpation of power."
Pedro Infante and America Perez were re-elected as first and second vice presidents, respectively. The secretary and deputy secretary positions were reaffirmed, with Maria Alejandra Hernandez and Jose Omar Molina continuing in their roles.
From the opposition bench, Juan Carlos Alvarado, Anyelith Tamayo, and Alfonso Campos were nominated for president, first vice president, and second vice president, respectively, while Jesus Albornoz and Jan Mariel Villarroel were nominated for secretary and deputy secretary roles. However, these candidates did not secure the majority required to surpass the incumbents.
Diaz emphasized the Parliament's responsibility, stating, "On January 10, we will receive the driver of victory, the continental leader who has the courage to lead Venezuela to the vanguard of the struggles of the people against fascism, hatred, and violence."
