Venezuela’s interim president has removed businessman, Alex Saab from his position as minister of industry, in a reshuffle that merges the industry portfolio with the commerce ministry.
Delcy Rodríguez announced Saab’s dismissal on Friday via a message on Telegram, saying the ministry would be combined with the commerce ministry and expressing gratitude for his contributions.
She indicated that Saab, a Colombian‑born Venezuelan, would assume new responsibilities following the change.
The move comes amid mounting pressure from the United States following the January 3 US military operation that led to the ouster of former president Nicolás Maduro.
It is one of several adjustments Rodríguez has made to the government since assuming interim leadership.
Saab was released in 2023 as part of a prisoner exchange with the United States and was appointed minister of industry by Maduro in 2024.
A close associate of the ousted leader, Saab was previously arrested in 2020 during a refuelling stop in Cape Verde under an Interpol notice accusing him of acting as a front man for Maduro.
He was subsequently extradited to the United States, where he and a business partner were charged with operating a network that allegedly exploited food aid intended for Venezuela.
After his release, Saab returned to Venezuela and was welcomed in Caracas, later taking up his ministerial post in October 2024.
Venezuela’s interim president dismisses Alex Saab as industry minister
