Venezuela's legislature sworn in for new term after Maduro capture

Jorge Rodriguez sworn in to lead Venezuela’s National Assembly as lawmakers pledge loyalty to the constitution, with opposition largely absent from the session.

Reuters

January 6, 2026

Venezuela’s National Assembly President Jorge Rodriguez, is sworn in as president of the National Assembly for a new term during the opening of the 2026 legislative period, after the U.S. launched a strike on the country and captured President Nicolas Maduro and his wife Cilia Flores, in Caracas, Venezuela, January 5, 2026.

Leonardo Fernandez /Reuters

Venezuelan lawmaker Jorge Rodriguez was sworn in on Monday (January 5) as president of the National Assembly, pledging to uphold the country's constitution and laws during an installation session broadcast on state television.

Rodriguez, who has led the National Assembly since 2021, was re-appointed to the role on Monday. In his remarks, he said a central priority in the coming days would be to use "all procedures, all platforms, and all spaces" to bring back Nicolas Maduro.

Rodriguez is the brother of now interim President Delcy Rodriguez.

Also sworn in on Monday were 283 lawmakers elected last May.

Just a small number of them are classed as opposition - most of the opposition, especially the faction directed by Nobel Prize winner Machado, boycotted the election

-Reuters

Rodriguez is the brother of now interim President Delcy Rodriguez.

Also sworn in on Monday were 283 lawmakers elected last May.

Just a small number of them are classed as opposition - most of the opposition, especially the faction directed by Nobel Prize winner Machado, boycotted the election

-Reuters