Venezuela’s Maduro makes major cabinet changes after contested election

Venezuela’s President Nicolas Maduro on Tuesday made major changes to his cabinet, including leadership of the oil and finance ministries and state oil company PDVSA, after a contested election both the ruling party and the opposition claim to have won.

Anabel Pereira is new finance minister, while Hector Obregon is the new president of PDVSA, replacing Pedro Tellechea, who will move to head the industry ministry, Maduro said on state television.

Vice-President Delcy Rodriguez will remain in her post, but add the oil ministry to her brief, Maduro added.

Yvan Gil and Vladimir Padrino will remain in their respective posts as foreign minister and defence minister, Maduro said, while ruling party leader Diosdado Cabello will be the new interior, justice and peace minister.

Reuters reported earlier, citing three sources, that Maduro would name Obregon to PDVSA and designate a new oil minister.

Obregon is a lawyer who was added to PDVSA’s executive board last year as part of his government responsibilities, which also include positions at the finance ministry and Venezuela’s development bank.