Redaction: AVN 3 JAN 2026
The Constitutional Chamber of the Supreme Tribunal of Justice (TSJ) decided this Saturday that the Executive Vice President, Delcy Eloína Rodríguez Gómez, will assume the role of Acting President, taking all responsibilities associated with the position of Head of State, to ensure administrative continuity and comprehensive defense of the Nation during the forced absence of Nicolás Maduro.
This ruling is based on the interpretation of Articles 234 and 239 of the Constitution, which assigns the Executive Vice President to substitute in the case of temporary absences of the President.
The TSJ concluded that the current situation represents a case of material and temporary impossibility for the exercise of presidential functions, due to the kidnapping of the constitutional president Nicolás Maduro.
The highest court ordered immediate notification to Rodríguez, the National Defense Council, the High Military Command, and the National Assembly regarding this measure, given the manifest urgency and the real threats facing the country.
Moreover, the Constitutional Chamber declared its authority to know ex officio and exercise the interpretation of Articles 234 and 239 of the Constitution, aiming to guarantee the continuity of the State, government management, and the defense of national sovereignty.
In its joint opinion, the Chamber explained that the systematic and teleological interpretation of the constitutional articles aims to eliminate any legal uncertainty and create a roadmap to safeguard the constitutional order during what it called a crucial moment for national life.
The TSJ emphasized that this precautionary measure responds to the need to confront foreign aggression and ensure the integral defense of the Nation.