Venezuela’s acting President Delcy Rodriguez announced Wednesday a major shake-up in the country’s military leadership, naming General Gustavo Gonzalez Lopez as the new defense minister to succeed General Vladimir Padrino, who has served in the role for over a decade.
Rodriguez expressed gratitude to Padrino through a Telegram message, acknowledging his dedication and commitment to the nation while indicating he would transition to different duties within the government.
Padrino’s military career began with overseeing ceremonial duties for the presidential guard during the late President Hugo Chavez’s administration, but he gained prominence under former President Nicolas Maduro, who appointed him to lead the defense ministry in late 2014.
Reuters sources had previously indicated that Padrino’s replacement was anticipated, noting that his continued service following Maduro’s removal was intended to maintain order within Venezuela’s military structure, which includes approximately 2,000 generals overseeing underfunded forces and significant commercial enterprises.
