Colombian businessman Alex Saab has been appointed as the new industry minister in Venezuela, following a cabinet change announced by President Nicolas Maduro. Saab, who is an ally of Maduro and was freed in a prisoner exchange with the United States last year, will be replacing Pedro Tellechea in the position. Tellechea cited health problems as the reason for his resignation.
Maduro stated that Saab will play a role in developing Venezuela’s industrial system under a new economic model. Saab was returned to Venezuela in December 2023 after being exchanged for 10 US prisoners held in Venezuela, as part of a larger effort to ease tensions between the two countries.
Maduro’s victory in the recent election has been contested by the opposition, with doubts raised by election oversight groups, human rights organizations, and regional leaders. The government has not released data to support its claims of victory, and pre-election polling had indicated that Maduro was likely to lose to the opposition by a significant margin.
Since the election, there has been a crackdown on dissent in Venezuela, with reports of human rights abuses. Saab’s appointment as industry minister comes amidst ongoing political turmoil in the country, as Maduro seeks to solidify his grip on power despite opposition challenges.
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