Venezuela's acting president Delcy Rodríguez appointed Vladimir Padrino López as the new Minister of Agriculture, bringing the former defense chief back to the cabinet. The move follows Padrino's removal from the defense ministry less than a month ago.
Rodríguez announced the appointment via Telegram, stating the new minister must "boost agricultural production to guarantee national supply." She added that the position is vital to the country's "new diversified economic model."
In her announcement, Rodríguez also thanked the outgoing minister, Julio León Heredia, for his service.
Padrino, a General in Chief, held a prominent role in the Venezuelan military for over a decade. He served as a close ally to both the late Hugo Chávez and Nicolás Maduro.
Legal and international pressure
Human rights organizations have accused Padrino of being a key figure in state-led repression. These allegations persist even as the United States maintains a $15 million reward for information leading to his arrest.
Padrino has denied all accusations of narcotics trafficking, calling the U.S. claims a "total lie." Following his departure from the defense ministry, the military leader stated he had made "difficult decisions" with "inevitable consequences" in an attempt to "avoid a war."
The appointment follows the restoration of diplomatic relations between the United States and Caracas, as Washington continues to coordinate with the Rodríguez administration.
The reshuffle follows a period of significant restructuring within the Bolivarian National Armed Forces (FANB). Since January, Rodríguez has overseen dozens of leadership changes across the military's command structure, including the replacement of several key Chavista figures.
The new ministry, officially titled the Ministry of Popular Power for Productive Agriculture and Lands, faces the task of strengthening internal supply chains. The government's focus remains on diversifying the economy away from its traditional reliance on oil.
