Venezuela has officially ushered in a new chapter in its tumultuous political saga, as Deli Rodriguez has been sworn in as the acting president. This pivotal moment comes on the heels of the ousting of Nicolás Maduro, who had long held the reins of power while the Venezuelan economy crumbled under his watch. Rodriguez, a 56-year-old lawyer by training, is not just stepping into a position of power; she is doing so as a staunch believer in socialism and a seasoned operator in the world of Venezuelan politics.
For over a decade, Rodriguez has been one of Maduro’s closest allies, helping him maintain his grip on a country spiraling into chaos. Alongside her brother, who heads Venezuela’s Congress, Rodriguez has been a fixture in Maduro’s administration. She’s been described by former colleagues and U.S. officials alike as ruthlessly ambitious and Machiavellian, a clear indication that she knows how to play her cards right in the high-stakes game of Venezuelan politics.
Before her ascension, Rodriguez held several significant governmental roles. She ran the foreign ministry and later took over the economy, including the critical oil industry that has been the lifeblood of Venezuela’s economy for years. In her new role, she will presumably bring the same level of dedication to her acting presidency, although her allegiance to Maduro’s policies raises eyebrows about potential changes.
Interestingly, her appointment has not been without its ironies. Shortly after swearing in, Rodriguez called for the release of Maduro, only to pivot to a more conciliatory tone towards the United States the following day. This shift suggests she is trying to navigate the tricky waters of international diplomacy while still keeping her socialist roots intact. It remains to be seen how this will play out, considering President Trump’s administration is now counting on her to help steer Venezuela onto a path that aligns more closely with U.S. interests.
The decision to install Rodriguez over other opposition leaders, particularly María Karina Machado, has raised questions among political analysts. Machado, an outspoken critic of Maduro and a supporter of Trump, even received a prestigious Nobel Peace Prize. However, Trump’s approach of keeping Maduro’s regime largely intact while pinning hopes on one of his most loyal advisers signals a strategy that might not sit well with all factions of Venezuelan society. As Rodriguez settles into her new role, the world will be watching closely, curious about what direction she takes the beleaguered nation.
