Rumors of a Political Reshuffle in Venezuela Prelude Contentious Reforms

Following weeks of unconfirmed reports in the Venezuelan media that Rafael Ramirez, a powerful bureaucrat and businessman, could be appointed as the country's next vice president, Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro announced July 8 that Ramirez would remain at his post as the head of Venezuela's state-owned energy firm. Regardless of the position he occupies in the Venezuelan government, Ramirez will likely oversee the adoption of economic reforms that have the potential to alienate Maduro's supporters, creating more tension for the embattled government.