Venezuela’s acting president, Delcy Rodríguez, has announced a reshuffle of her cabinet, affecting key ministries including Defence, Transportation, Housing, Electric Power and Labour.
Among the appointments, General Gustavo González López takes over Defence, while Jacqueline Faría is now Transport Minister.
General Lopez has replaced General Vladimir Padrino Lopez, who held the role under former President Nicholas Maduro for over a decade.
His removal marks one of the most significant changes in military leadership in recent Venezuelan history.
Rodríguez says the changes are aimed at strengthening strategic sectors and improving public services.
She also thanked outgoing ministers for their service as the government continues its restructuring efforts.
Key Cabinet Ministers (as of March 19, 2026)
Executive Leadership
Delcy Rodríguez – President of the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela (acting).
Ministries and Cabinet Appointments:
Minister of Defense: Gustavo González López – appointed 18 Mar 2026 (replaced Vladimir Padrino López).
Minister of Vivienda y Hábitat (Housing & Habitat): Jorge Elieser Márquez.
Minister of Energía Eléctrica (Electric Energy): Rolando Alcalá.
Minister of Proceso Social del Trabajo (Labor): Carlos Alexis Castillo.
Minister of Cultura (Culture): Raúl Cazal.
Minister of Educación Universitaria (Higher Education): Ana María Sanjuán.
Minister of Hidrocarburos (Oil & Energy): Paula Henao (appointed mid‑March 2026).
Minister of Relaciones Interiores, Justicia y Paz (Interior & Justice): Diosdado Cabello (remains in post).
Minister of Salud (Health): Nuramy Gutiérrez.
Minister of Comunicación e Información: Miguel Pérez Pirela.
Minister of Turismo: Daniella Cabello.
Minister of Industrias y Comercio Nacional (Industry & Trade): Luis Antonio Villegas Ramírez.
Minister of Transporte:
Jacqueline Faría – appointed 18 Mar 2026 (succeeding Aníbal Coronado).
