Venezuela’s acting president Delcy Rodriguez on Wednesday announced a major cabinet reshuffle, appointing General Gustavo Gonzalez Lopez as the new defense minister, replacing long-time military chief Vladimir Padrino.

The move marks the most significant change in Rodriguez’s administration so far, ending Padrino’s 11-year tenure overseeing Venezuela’s powerful military under ousted president Nicolas Maduro.

In a statement shared on Telegram, Rodriguez thanked Padrino, 62, for his years of service and said he would be assigned new responsibilities. She confirmed that Gonzalez Lopez, 65, will assume the role of Minister of People’s Power for Defense.

Gonzalez Lopez previously served as head of Venezuela’s military counterintelligence agency, the General Directorate of Military Counterintelligence, and had recently been leading the presidential guard. He has also held key positions including interior minister and intelligence chief, and has worked closely with Rodriguez in strategic roles at state oil company PDVSA.

Despite his promotion, analysts say the appointment is unlikely to signal a major policy shift. A source familiar with the situation told Reuters that Rodriguez’s approach—particularly in complying with U.S. demands on oil, mining, and the release of certain detainees—is expected to remain unchanged.

The reshuffle comes amid complex political dynamics within the government, where Interior Minister Diosdado Cabello is seen as a powerful figure with strong ties to security forces and pro-government groups. Cabello has publicly supported Rodriguez and appeared alongside her and her brother Jorge Rodriguez, head of the legislature, at multiple events.

As part of the changes, naval admiral German Gomez Larez will take over leadership of military counterintelligence, while General Henry Navas will head the presidential guard.

Padrino, a long-time loyalist who rose under former president Hugo Chavez, said in a statement that serving the nation had been “the greatest honor” of his life. He also congratulated Gonzalez Lopez, noting their long-standing connection dating back to their military academy days.

Although the United States has imposed sanctions on several Venezuelan officials, including Gonzalez Lopez and Padrino, the country’s security apparatus remains largely intact, according to a recent report by the United Nations. The Venezuelan government has consistently denied allegations of human rights abuses and corruption within its ranks.