Power Vacuum in Venezuela as Delcy Visits Moscow and Maduro is Sidelined

Author: Dr. Aisha Washington

Date: Saturday, January 3, 2026

In a significant political development in Venezuela, Vice President Delcy Rodríguez is currently in Moscow, while President Nicolás Maduro appears to be sidelined from the political landscape. This situation has created a power vacuum within the Venezuelan government, raising concerns about potential power struggles among key figures in the regime.

Key Details

Delcy Rodríguez, who serves as the Vice President of Venezuela, is in Moscow for undisclosed diplomatic engagements. Her visit comes at a time when President Nicolás Maduro is reportedly out of the political scene, leading to speculation about the future leadership of the country. The absence of Maduro, who has been a central figure in Venezuelan politics for years, has left a significant gap in authority.

In the absence of Maduro, the potential power struggle is expected to be primarily between two prominent figures: Vladimir Padrino López and Diosdado Cabello. Vladimir Padrino López is a career general and currently serves as the Minister of Defense. He is known for his military background, but he is not considered to be ideologically driven, which may influence his approach to governance and power dynamics within the regime.

Diosdado Cabello, on the other hand, is a well-known hardliner within the Venezuelan government. He has strong connections with Cuban intelligence, which has been a crucial ally for the Maduro administration. Cabello is perceived as more radical than Maduro himself, positioning him as a formidable contender in any power struggle that may arise in the current political climate.

Background

The political landscape in Venezuela has been tumultuous, characterized by economic collapse, widespread protests, and accusations of human rights violations. Maduro"s presidency has faced significant challenges, including international sanctions and a lack of legitimacy, as many countries do not recognize his government following disputed elections. The recent developments, including the visit by Delcy Rodríguez to Moscow, signal a potential shift in alliances and power dynamics within the regime.

As previously reported, Maduro and his wife have been indicted in the Southern District of New York, further complicating the political situation in Venezuela. This indictment adds to the pressure on Maduro"s administration and raises questions about the future of his leadership. The ongoing legal challenges and international scrutiny may have contributed to his current sidelining.

What"s Next

The outcome of the power struggle between Padrino López and Cabello will significantly impact Venezuela"s future. Should Cabello emerge as the dominant figure, the country may see a shift towards more hardline policies, potentially exacerbating the existing crises. Conversely, if Padrino López takes a more central role, there may be opportunities for a different approach to governance, although his lack of ideological commitment raises questions about his ability to unify the regime.

As the situation unfolds, the Venezuelan populace remains watchful, with many citizens expressing their discontent with the current government. Recent developments, such as the public"s act of tearing down posters and portraits of Nicolás Maduro, reflect the growing frustration among the people. The next steps taken by the regime will be crucial in determining the direction of the country amidst this power vacuum.