CARACAS — The removal of President Nicolas Maduro has thrown Venezuela’s long-ruling Chavista establishment into uncertainty, testing the balance of power among the leftist factions that have governed the oil-rich nation for 27 years.
Maduro and his wife Cilia Flores were captured by US forces and transferred to the United States to face trial, leaving behind what diplomats describe as a powerful inner circle known as the “club of five.”
The group included Maduro, Flores, former vice president Delcy Rodriguez—now Venezuela’s interim leader—her brother Jorge Rodriguez, and hard-line Interior Minister Diosdado Cabello. A diplomatic source told AFP that Maduro had been the key figure maintaining unity among rival factions.
Maduro, once hand-picked by Hugo Chavez, maintained tight control through a mix of populist spectacle, loyalty from the military, and systematic elimination of internal opposition. His image was heavily promoted through murals, songs, and the cartoon character “Super Moustache,” alongside his wife portrayed as “Super Cilita.”
Despite initial defiance following Maduro’s arrest, interim leader Delcy Rodriguez has called for a “balanced and respectful relationship” with Washington, signaling a possible shift in tone.
Analysts say the Rodriguez siblings—who control the economy, parliament, and oil sector—are skilled political operators, while Cabello represents the most radical wing of Chavismo. Cabello, feared for mass arrests following protests in 2024, is now also wanted by US courts, which have offered a $25 million reward for his capture.
With Maduro gone, observers warn the struggle between pragmatists and hard-liners could define Venezuela’s next chapter.
