Venezuela cabinet reshuffle points up Maduro weakness

Significance With the backing of the Supreme Court, which confirmed his electoral victory with 52% of the vote, Maduro is pressing on, putting the disputed presidential election behind him and preparing for a third term in office. The appointments are uninspiring, an exercise in recycling the established elites of the ruling party. Impacts The cabinet reshuffle signals Maduro’s weakness and reliance on key ruling party and military elites. The new Oil Ministry and PDVSA team will not boost investor confidence, even among companies accustomed to working in hostile environments. Hemispheric neighbours including the United States, Brazil and Colombia have limited capacity to influence and intervene.