World
Venezuela’s interim president reshuffles cabinet, sacks Alex Saab as industry minister
Venezuela’s interim president has removed businessman Alex Saab as minister of industry following a cabinet reshuffle that merges the industry ministry with the commerce ministry.
The announcement was made on Friday by Vice President Delcy Rodríguez in a message shared on Telegram.
She said the government had decided to combine both portfolios and thanked Saab for his service while he held the position.
Rodríguez added that Saab, who was born in Colombia but is now a Venezuelan citizen, would be given new responsibilities after leaving the ministry.
The development comes amid increasing pressure from the United States, following the January 3 US military operation that resulted in the removal 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.
Follow Us on Google Discover
‘Why can’t Nigerians buy petrol for N441-N872 per litre like, UAE, Angola Sudi Arabia, others’ – Atiku questions Tinubu
Former British PM Keir Starmer leaves parliament after 11 years
Tinubu’s effort to secure Trump’s support for re-election has failed – Atiku’s lobbying firm claim
Erin Piacenti, Bank of America VP killed in Times Square stabbing
Nollywood hit by another loss as Atinuke Kareem dies after prolonged cancer battle
2027: I will review NELFUND, offer debt forgiveness to Nigerian students – Atiku vows
Yuguda warns Nigerians against Atiku’s promise to restore fuel subsidy, says its a political bait
Strong GDP, Reserves don’t put food on Nigerians’ tables – APC Chairman
2027: APC chieftain resigns, rejects support for Tinubu, Bauchi Governorship candidate
Two Kwara lawmakers lose seats after dumping APC for PDP
Gabriel Jesus joins Barcelona from Arsenal until 2029
BREAKING: PDP Chieftain Daniel Osi Orbih passes away
Panic in Kwara as two-storey building collapses, traps eight
2027: Major Jack picked as Chinda’s running mate in Rivers
Super Eagles Coach Chelle picks two assistants for U-23 team
7 Ongoing recruitment opportunities Nigerians shouldn’t miss before deadline (How to apply)
2027: I will review NELFUND, offer debt forgiveness to Nigerian students – Atiku vows
Tinubu spends 261 Days abroad as Presidency’s travel spending hits N37.64bn
FBI files won’t decide 2027 election, Nigerians vote will – Tinubu’s lawyer Afolabi says
On LG Autonomy: I will send funds directly to LGs from Day 1 in office – Atiku vows
BREAKING: Ex-Bayelsa gov Timipre Sylva dumps APC, says party has lost its founding ideals
2027: APC chieftain resigns, rejects support for Tinubu, Bauchi Governorship candidate
Wike, Fubara meet for first time after governor gives up second-term bid
Yuguda warns Nigerians against Atiku’s promise to restore fuel subsidy, says its a political bait
Three killed, many injured as suspected cultists invade Anambra
Tinubu’s effort to secure Trump’s support for re-election has failed – Atiku’s lobbying firm claim
BREAKING: Lionel Messi retires from international football
‘Why can’t Nigerians buy petrol for N441-N872 per litre like, UAE, Angola Sudi Arabia, others’ – Atiku questions Tinubu
Chaos as Police teargas pensioners during protest at Lagos House
