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Venezuelan Government Restructures: New Foreign Affairs and Trade Ministry Established

KVIA•Tuesday, July 14, 2026 at 12:37 AM•CNN Newsource

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AI Summary

In a significant cabinet reshuffle, Delcy Rodríguez, the acting president of Venezuela, announced the merger of the Ministries of Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade, creating the new Ministry of Popular Power for Foreign Relations and Foreign Trade. Félix Plasencia has been appointed as the head of this newly formed ministry. This restructuring comes amid criticism regarding the government's response to the recent earthquakes that resulted in over 4,500 deaths and nearly 18,000 people losing their homes. Rodríguez has faced backlash for the perceived slow response to the crisis, while asserting that assistance is being provided to all affected individuals. Plasencia, a seasoned diplomat, previously served as Venezuela's ambassador to China and Colombia and is seen as a pragmatic figure in diplomatic relations.

Key Details: • Félix Plasencia appointed as head of the new ministry. • Official reports indicate 4,561 fatalities and 18,000 displaced due to earthquakes. • Rodríguez has made seven cabinet changes since the earthquakes. • Plasencia has a long career in Venezuelan diplomacy since the 1990s.

government venezuela diplomacy earthquakes cabinet-changes

People & Organizations

Yván GilDelcy RodríguezFélix PlasenciaJohan Álvarez

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