Cyprus Times

Venezuela: The Day After - Constitutional, Opposition, and Military Paths

Published January 3, 2026, 18:07
Venezuela: The Day After - Constitutional, Opposition, and Military Paths

Venezuela is facing a period of uncertainty following US pressure for the removal of Nicolás Maduro. The constitution stipulates that Vice President Delcy Rodríguez is next in line to power, but the opposition supports the exiled Edmundo González. There are three possible scenarios: the constitutional path with elections within 30 days, the collapse of the regime and the takeover by the opposition, and a military takeover under the Minister of Defense Vladimir Padrino López. The role of the armed forces is crucial, while María Corina Machado, recently awarded the Nobel Peace Prize, states she is ready for a peaceful transition. The US side, led by Trump, appears to have completed the first stage, but it remains unclear which scenario it supports.