Rodríguez criticized for using earthquake rescuers for political act

Venezuelan interim president Delcy Rodríguez faced widespread criticism for convening international search and rescue brigades for a protocol ceremony amidst the ongoing efforts to address the catastrophic earthquakes of June 24. Rodríguez herself acknowledged she had "set them aside a bit from their tasks, which we know are vital," to thank them "on behalf of the Venezuelan people."

Despite the country counting hundreds of dead and missing, and Rodríguez stating Venezuela was in "critical hours to save lives" with a "very complex" situation, she opted to extend the event for political purposes. Critics, including writer Leonardo Padrón, shared videos of the ceremony, labeling it as evidence of the regime's "level of urgency" in handling the disaster.

Padrón questioned the timing, asking, "For God's sake, why are you hijacking this people's time? They need to be in the most critical zones, saving lives. That's why they came, not for protocol events. Their faces say it all: they don't understand why they are there."

Other social media users expressed outrage, calling the government "disconnected from the cruel reality that Venezuela is living" and "the worst misfortune that has befallen us." The sentiment was that the government's actions were more devastating than the earthquakes themselves, contributing to the nation's ongoing struggles.