Maduro and the cabinet change in times of crisis

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In recent days, Nicolás Maduro ordered a change of cabinet to make a restructuring of his government

According to the official account of the executive vice president, Delcy Rodríguez, Maduro "asked the entire Executive Cabinet to place their positions under the order of the effects of a profound restructuring of the methods and functioning of the Bolivarian government to protect the homeland of Bolívar and Chávez before any threat."

Leer en español: Maduro y el cambio de gabinete en tiempos de crisis

However, and with the current political situation in Venezuela, the change would respond more to an economic need than to a political one. According to El País, "it is a rotation and not a real change". The director of Datanalisis, Luis León and in dialogue with the same media, affirms that the variants would be economic because "there is a debate between moderate and radical, more communist, but most likely the changes will be destined to make economic sectors feel comfortable and capable of negotiating with the United States."

This is due to the economic blockades of the North American country, which on different occasions has stated that those countries that establish a commercial relationship with Venezuela will be punished. In addition to the above, the changes take place at a crucial moment, as its popularity does not exceed 20%, contrary to Guaido's 60%.

In addition, its legitimacy as ruler is being questioned due to the lack of food, medication, and hyperinflation that is experienced in the country, and now, the electrical failures that affected Venezuelans for more than 48 hours, added to the lack of water.

Although names have not been mentioned, the United Socialist Party of Venezuela (PSUV) backed Maduro's decision, as Diosdado Cabello suggested at a press conference. He also noted that "Maduro asked the PSUV to suggest names for ministerial posts," according to Sputnik.

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A weak decision

Meanwhile, the interim president, Juan Guaidó, referred to Maduro's decision as an irresponsible act, since, in his words, the country presents more serious situations (referring to the energy crisis). He also assured that Maduro has 'ventricles' that speak for him, according to ABC.

For Guaidó, "there is no cabinet, there is a usurpation of powers (…) what I see is a very weak regime, a regime that no longer has answers, a regime that no longer governs but sings victory for having one more day usurping functions. A regime whose chain of command is broken," according to the same report.

In this way, and while Maduro ordered the expulsion of several US officials who were still in the country, Guaidó took three venues to reestablish relations between his government and the United States. Thus, he obtained control of "the military attaché of the Caribbean nation in Washington, as well as another building and the consulate in New York," according to El Universal.

Immediately, the Foreign Ministry of Venezuela called on the competent authorities of the United States "to comply with their legal obligations and take the necessary measures to immediately reverse said forced occupation in compliance with the provisions of (.. .) the Vienna Convention", according to RCN.

Thus, the ambassador appointed by Guaidó, Carlos Vecchió, assured AP that "they will progressively assume the assets of the nation" and that "they are complying with all legal procedures." It should be noted that the United States is one of more than 50 countries that supports Juan Guaidó's regime and that repudiates the Nicolás Maduro's one. In addition, after they recognized Guaidó, Maduro decided to break relations with the North American country.

LatinAmerican Post | Laura Viviana Guevara Muñoz

Translated from "Maduro y el cambio de gabinete en tiempos de crisis"