Various international media outlets and analysts have dedicated space to reports claiming that this Friday, July 3, marks the end of a deadline stipulated in the Venezuelan Constitution regarding the declaration of a potential absolute absence of the Presidency and the calling of new elections.
The publications circulating in various news outlets assert
that, once the constitutional deadline and an additional three-month extension
have expired, it would be up to the legislative authority to formally declare
the supposed definitive absence of the head of state. However, these reports
are based on the premise that President Nicolás Maduro would be unable to
perform his duties, an assertion that has not been confirmed by official
sources and contradicts the Venezuelan government's public position.
According to the institutional framework recognized by the
Venezuelan Executive, any action of this nature would fall under the purview of
the National Assembly of Venezuela, presided over by Jorge Rodríguez. However,
sectors of the opposition hold a different interpretation and consider that
legitimacy lies with the National Assembly of Venezuela, headed by Dinorah
Figuera in exile, whose international recognition has varied over time and
depends on each country's foreign policy.
On social media and in some media outlets, claims have also
circulated that, starting July 4, Delcy Rodríguez would illegitimately assume
presidential functions. However, to date, there has been no official
announcement from Venezuelan authorities supporting this scenario, nor has
there been an institutional statement confirming a change in the presidency.
The debate reflects the profound legal and political
differences that persist regarding Venezuela's institutional situation. While
various actors maintain that if the current Venezuelan government refuses to
pave the way for democracy, repercussions against them would be inevitable.