Venezuela’s Supreme Court has appointed Vice President Delcy Rodríguez as the country’s acting president after the United States detained President Nicolás Maduro and took him to New York. The court issued the order on Saturday night, declaring that Maduro is temporarily unable to perform his duties. The decision was announced during a televised session on state channel VTV, where Justice Tania D’Amelio stated that Rodríguez will assume all powers and responsibilities of the presidency.

According to Venezuela’s constitution, the vice president must take over presidential duties in cases of temporary or complete absence of the president. Reuters reported that the Supreme Court emphasized the importance of Rodríguez’s appointment to ensure administrative continuity and national defense. The court also plans to hold hearings to determine the legal framework for maintaining state continuity and sovereignty in the face of the president’s forced absence.

The ruling marks a significant shift in Venezuela’s leadership structure as the country faces uncertainty following Maduro’s detention abroad.