By Daniel García Marco, BBC Mundo Editor Published at 13:06 If reports are confirmed that Nicolás Maduro has been detained and taken out of Venezuela, the country will immediately enter one of the most uncertain and consequential moments in its modern political history. Attention will swiftly shift from the dramatic circumstances surrounding Maduro’s exit to an even more pressing issue: who will govern Venezuela next, and under what political arrangement. Early indications suggest there may be no further military action, with former U.S. President Donald Trump reportedly viewing Maduro’s removal as the primary objective. Yet, removing the president does not automatically dismantle the political structure that has sustained Chavismo for more than two decades. The central question therefore remains whether Chavismo can retain power without its most prominent figurehead. Three Power Brokers to Watch Within the ruling establishment, three individuals are emerging as key figures in any post-Maduro scenario. At the top of the list is Vice President Delcy Rodríguez, a seasoned political operator who currently oversees much of the civilian administration and economic management. Rodríguez has long been one of the most visible faces of the government on the international stage and is deeply involved in negotiations related to sanctions, oil revenues, and diplomatic relations. However, her influence within the armed forces is limited compared to her rivals. Another major contender is Interior Minister Diosdado Cabello, one of the most powerful and controversial figures within Chavismo. Cabello has extensive ties to the military and security services and is widely regarded as a hardliner. His authority among key military factions could make him a decisive player, particularly if the armed forces choose to assert control during a transitional period. The third figure is Defense Minister Vladimir Padrino, who has served as a stabilizing force within the military hierarchy for years. Padrino’s loyalty has historically been to the institution of the armed forces rather than to any single political leader, positioning him as a potential kingmaker—or even a caretaker leader—if the military opts for continuity and order over radical change. All three appeared on state television just hours after the reported attack, signaling an attempt to project calm, authority, and institutional continuity in the face of uncertainty. The Military Factor The decisive role of the armed forces cannot be overstated. Venezuela’s political future will largely depend on whether the military closes ranks behind one figure, fragments along factional lines, or seeks to impose a collective leadership arrangement. Cabello and Padrino both command significant respect and loyalty within military circles, while Rodríguez’s strength lies more in civilian governance and economic oversight. Should the military remain unified, Chavismo could survive Maduro’s removal, albeit in a modified form. If divisions emerge, however, the risk of internal power struggles and prolonged instability will increase dramatically. The Opposition’s Next Move Equally critical is the response of the opposition, led by María Corina Machado. Having claimed victory in the disputed July 2024 elections, the opposition has consistently argued that Venezuela’s crisis cannot be resolved merely by removing Maduro from office. For Machado and her allies, the demand is for genuine political transition, free elections, and the dismantling of the structures that underpin authoritarian rule. There is little indication that the opposition would accept a simple reshuffling of power within Chavismo. Any attempt by the ruling elite to govern without Maduro, while maintaining the same system, is likely to be met with renewed domestic pressure and calls for international recognition of an alternative government. A Country at a Crossroads Venezuela now stands at a crossroads. Maduro’s reported removal, if confirmed, may mark the end of an era—but not necessarily the end of Chavismo. Whether power shifts to a new strongman, a military-backed collective leadership, or a negotiated transitional authority will depend on the balance struck between the armed forces, civilian institutions, and an increasingly assertive opposition. What happens in the coming days will shape not only who governs Venezuela, but also whether the country moves closer to political renewal or deeper into uncertainty.