Pro-govt lawmaker re-elected president of Venezuelan National Assembly

Caracas, Jan 6 (IANS) Pro-government Deputy Jorge Rodriguez has been re-elected President of Venezuela's National Assembly (NA), garnering the most votes in Congress, where the ruling party-led coalition, the Great Patriotic Pole, holds a majority.Diosdado Cabello, leader of the coalition's congressional bloc, nominated Rodriguez and highlighted his "work, dedication, and patience" during his 2021-2022 mandate, reports Xinhua news agency.His re-election and the inauguration of the new Assembly "is a reaffirmation" of the country's desire "to live in peace", said Cabello.The opposition Democratic Alliance, led by Deputy Luis Augusto Romero, obtained a minority of votes.After being re-elected, Rodriguez was sworn in by a commission comprising representatives and leaders of various social segments, including farmers, indigenous groups and unions.As congressional leader, Rodriguez pledged to "continue defending our homeland's right to freedom, sovereignty and self-determination".
--IANS ksk/

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