The Daily Journal — National Assembly President Jorge Rodríguez said on Saturday that appointing new authorities to the Supreme Court of Justice (TSJ) and the National Electoral Council (CNE) does not rank among the government’s immediate priorities.
During a press conference with international media, reporters asked the lawmaker about the expiration of Acting President Delcy Rodríguez’s six-month term, the timetable for renewing the country’s institutions, and the possibility of a presidential election.
Rodríguez declined to address the time elapsed since his sister succeeded Nicolás Maduro. Instead, he said the government continues to move forward with institutional processes while focusing its efforts on responding to the destruction caused by the June 24 earthquakes.
“We are not in a position to stop any of the processes that are moving forward. What we do not have right now is the mindset to worry about the Supreme Court,” he said.
The senior government official argued that helping those affected by the earthquakes remains the administration’s top priority. He also described political negotiations over institutional appointments as inappropriate under the current circumstances.
“Right now, we are concerned about people who have suffered beyond measure. It would be disrespectful and offensive for politicians to sit around deciding who should lead the CNE or the Supreme Court,” he said.
Rodríguez also dismissed any negotiations aimed at advancing a political transition.
“There will be time for that. And not only will there be time for that, but if you know how to count, don’t count on me for those kinds of meetings,” he said.
Instead, he encouraged political leaders from across the spectrum to focus on rebuilding the country.
“If you want to meet with me to discuss how to help, reform the rental law, create a national emergency law, purchase housing, or help identify land for new homes, then you are more than welcome,” he said.
Public discontent over the emergency response
According to a recent public opinion survey conducted by AtlasIntel in partnership with Bloomberg, public dissatisfaction with the government’s leadership and its response to the June 24 earthquakes has reached critical levels.
The survey found that public disapproval of Acting President Delcy Rodríguez’s performance climbed steadily to 63.3% by the end of June, up sharply from 44.3% in February, when she completed her first month in office after replacing Nicolás Maduro.
The study also found that the natural disaster intensified public frustration with the government. As the death toll has surpassed 4,300, 65.4% of Venezuelans said they disapprove of the government’s and relevant authorities’ handling of the emergency.
