The dramatic removal of Venezuelan leader Nicolas Maduro has plunged the South American nation into a profound constitutional and political crisis. The immediate and pressing question for both its citizens and the international community is stark: who will now take the helm as president?
The Contenders for the Presidency
On the surface, the most prominent figure is the opposition leader Maria Corina Machado. Widely known in Venezuela by her first name, she is the most vocal critic of the former regime and was recently awarded the Nobel Peace Prize. For months, she has asserted that the opposition is prepared to govern. Internationally, she is often viewed as the natural successor should the opposition coalition assume power.
However, the path to power is not straightforward. US President Donald Trump has publicly cast doubt on her domestic support, stating in a news conference on Sunday 4 January 2026 that "she doesn't have the support within or the respect within the country." Instead, President Trump indicated the United States would take temporary control, potentially in coordination with Delcy Rodriguez, Maduro's vice president since 2018.
Following a ruling by Venezuela's high court, Rodriguez was ordered to assume the role of interim president. President Trump praised her willingness to cooperate, quoting her as saying, "We'll do whatever you need," following a conversation with US Secretary of State Marco Rubio.
The Constitutional Claimant in Exile
Complicating the picture further is the figure of Edmundo Gonzalez. When Machado was barred from running in the 2024 presidential election, she transferred her support to this relatively unknown former diplomat. Gonzalez is widely considered, both by many nations and most Venezuelans, to be the rightful winner of that contested vote.
The opposition secured this claim through a clever tactic: photographing ballot returns at over 80% of voting stations before official submission. When the state-controlled electoral commission subsequently doctored the results in favour of Maduro, the opposition had photographic proof. Gonzalez, currently in Madrid, was forced to flee after being declared a wanted man.
A Venezuelan constitutional lawyer explained to Sky News that legally, the elected president is Edmundo Gonzalez. His six-year term constitutionally began on 10 January 2025, regardless of when he is sworn in. The lawyer clarified that there is no immediate legal path for Maria Corina Machado to become president, though Gonzalez could appoint her as vice president.
Political Alliances and Public Sentiment
The dynamics within the opposition are also fluid. While currently united against Maduro, the coalition of multiple parties could fracture with his departure, potentially bringing other candidates to the fore. Machado has actively courted US support by highlighting issues like migration, terrorism, and drugs, which resonated with President Trump and Secretary Rubio.
This makes Trump's recent endorsement of Rodriguez particularly jarring for some of her supporters. Despite this, Machado remains hugely popular domestically and would be a strong favourite in any free and fair election.
Ultimately, after years of turmoil, the Venezuelan people express a strong desire for a resolution that follows the constitutional process. The prevailing wish is for a legitimate transfer of power that respects their rights, rather than having a leader imposed upon them. The coming days will reveal whether the succession follows the constitution, the will of a foreign power, or a new political compromise.
