Diosdado Cabello Elected Head of Venezuelan Constituent Body

During the Tuesday session of the National Constituent Assembly, assembly member Cabello was appointed by unanimous decision to replace Delcy Rodríguez.

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Venezuela’s National Constituent Assembly (ANC) appointed Diosdado Cabello as the new president of the body Tuesday.

During the session of the ANC, assembly member Diosdado Cabello was appointed by unanimous decision to replace the body’s former president, Delcy Rodríguez, who was appointed by President Nicolás Maduro as Venezuela’s vice president last week as part of the renewal of the country’s cabinet following Maduro’s reelection in May.

Cabello was proposed as ANC president by the Commission of Communal Councils, the Human Rights Commission and by the disability sector to then start the debate and be elected by absolute majority.

During his speech, the newly designated president stressed that the body is a powerful institution filled with men and women who have an arduous task.

He highlighted the work of his predecessor, who carried out “the first phase of the assembly with a task that for many was impossible, [which was] to establish the bases for peace in the country,” in relation to the violent events registered during April 2017.

“The ANC must refine the strategies for the political and economic stability of the country, in order to match up” to the expectations of the Venezuelan people,” said Cabello.

Diosdado Cabello is the first vice-president of the United Socialist Party (PSUV) and was previously the president of the country’s National Assembly. With military roots, Cabello is considered one of the most influential figures both in Chavismo and in the Venezuelan armed forces. His wife has recently been named as public works minister.

He is subject to US-led sanctions, including the freezing of any personal bank accounts he may have in the US, Switzerland, or Panama, as well as travel restrictions.