08.01.2026 16:46
Delcy Rodriguez, who took on the temporary presidency in Venezuela, dismissed Major General Javier Marcano Tabata, who was responsible for the unit tasked with protecting President Nicolas Maduro, and appointed General Gustavo Gonzalez Lopez in his place.
Delcy Rodriguez, who assumed the temporary presidency in Venezuela, dismissed General Javier Marcano Tabata, who was responsible for the unit tasked with protecting President Nicolas Maduro, and appointed General Gustavo Gonzalez Lopez in his place.
DID NOT TAKE NECESSARY MEASURES
According to news from the national press, Tabata was dismissed on the grounds that he failed to implement necessary security measures during the military intervention that resulted in the U.S. detaining Maduro, at the instruction of Rodriguez. Rodriguez appointed General Lopez as the Commander of the Presidential Honor Guard and the Director of the General Directorate of Military Counterintelligence (DGCIM).
Communications Minister Freddy Nanez announced on his social media account that Lopez was appointed to replace the dismissed Tabata. Nanez stated, "These appointments are part of a dynamic of institutional strengthening and continuity aimed at ensuring the security of the people, peace, and the full enforcement of the Republican Constitution."
NEW PRESIDENT IS TRYING TO ESTABLISH HIS AUTHORITY
According to local press, this change is critical in terms of the balance of power in Venezuela. Following Maduro's detention by the U.S., the Security Council is being restructured, and significant changes are being made at high command levels. There are comments that the temporary president Rodriguez wants to consolidate her authority and control the security apparatus within the country.
WHO IS GENERAL LOPEZ?
The newly appointed General Lopez by Rodriguez previously served as the director of the Venezuelan Intelligence Service (SEBIN) from 2019 to 2024, as well as having held the position of Minister of Interior and Justice.
As a high-profile security official during Maduro's era, this move resonates in domestic politics and international relations.
International and human rights organizations have previously criticized Lopez for alleged human rights violations during his tenure at SEBIN, leading to sanctions imposed by the U.S. and the European Union (EU). General Lopez is on the U.S. Treasury Department's sanctions list.
After the U.S. detained Venezuelan President Maduro, his deputy Delcy Rodriguez was sworn in as the Temporary President in the Assembly.