Delcy Rodríguez assumed Venezuela’s interim presidency in early January 2026 after U.S. forces captured Nicolás Maduro, initially serving under a 90-day mandate from the Supreme Court that expired in April without triggering new elections. The National Assembly, dominated by allies, has delayed debates on succession, while Rodríguez has consolidated authority through cabinet changes, sanctions relief from the United States, and diplomatic outreach including appearances at international forums. These steps, alongside economic measures such as the first minimum-wage increase in years, have positioned her as the de facto leader amid ongoing normalization efforts with Washington. Traders assess the timeline for any transition against constitutional procedures, legislative inertia, and external diplomatic signals that could accelerate or postpone a handover.