Archive · 17 Jan 2026
Venezuela Interim Leader Removes Minister
Venezuela's interim president recently removed Alex Saab from his position as the minister of industry.
Saab is accused of having connections to the former leader, Nicolás Maduro.
The president announced this change on a messaging app and thanked Saab for his service, mentioning he would have new responsibilities.
The industry ministry will now be combined with the commerce ministry.
This decision comes after pressure from the United States following a military raid in January that led to Maduro's removal.
Saab, who is Colombian-born and was released in 2023 as part of a prisoner exchange, was appointed to his position by Maduro in 2024.
Venezuela's interim president dismissed Alex Saab from his post as minister of industry.
Saab is accused of working as a front man for deposed leader Nicolás Maduro.
The ministry of industry will be combined with the commerce ministry.
Saab was thanked for his service and will take on new responsibilities.
The change comes amid pressure from Washington following the January 3 US military raid that ousted Maduro.
- Who
- Venezuela's interim president and Alex Saab
- What
- Dismissal of Alex Saab from the ministry of industry
- When
- Friday (specific date not mentioned)
- Where
- Venezuela
- Why
- Saab's alleged links to Nicolás Maduro and pressure from Washington
- Interim President
- Juan Guaidó
- Dismissed Minister
- Alex Saab
- Reason for Dismissal
- Links to Nicolás Maduro
- New Responsibilities
- Unspecified
- Ministry Changes
- Industry and Commerce ministries combined
- US Pressure
- Following January 3 military raid
- Saab's Background
- Colombian-born Venezuelan, released in 2023
- Appointment by Maduro
- 2024
