Maduro Appoints Alex Saab as Industry Minister

Nicolas Maduro has appointed Alex Saab as Venezuela's new Minister of Industry and National Production, following the resignation of Pedro Tellechea, who cited health issues. Saab, a close ally of Maduro, was previously released in a U.S. prisoner exchange after being extradited from Cape Verde on money laundering charges. Maduro expressed confidence in Saab's ability to drive the development of Venezuela's industrial system within a new economic model. The reshuffle comes in the wake of a contentious presidential election and includes changes in key ministries such as oil and finance. Saab's appointment has raised eyebrows, particularly as the Maduro administration has previously claimed his arrest was a form of U.S. 'kidnapping'. The cabinet changes reflect ongoing political maneuvering as the regime seeks to consolidate power and address economic challenges.