Oliver Blanco named first vice minister of Foreign Affairs; David Placeres says Toby Dean replaces Claver-Carone
Foreign Minister Félix Plasencia appointed Oliver Blanco to the newly created post of first vice minister of Foreign Affairs and International Trade, El Nacional reported; Blanco remains vice minister for Europe and North America. According to David Placeres, Blanco comes from Acción Democrática and was recruited by Delcy Rodríguez.
Placeres also said Mauricio Claver-Carone is stepping away from Venezuela policy and Toby Dean is coming in, as reported by La Estrella de Panamá, which notes that Marco Rubio remains in charge of political strategy.
«Mauricio Claver-Carone is out and his replacement is in. Toby Dean comes in, the new boss for Venezuela»— David Placeres, July 24, 2026 · watch