Following a surprising announcement by former US President Donald Trump, a cloud of uncertainty hangs over the political future of Venezuela. Trump claimed that Vice President Delcy Rodriguez was "just sworn in" as the country's new leader after the capture of President Nicolas Maduro. However, international news agency Reuters reports that the Venezuelan government has not confirmed any such swearing-in ceremony.
Uncertainty and Denials Surround Key Figure
The whereabouts of Delcy Rodriguez herself are currently unknown, adding to the mystery. Some sources have suggested she might be in Russia, a report that has been firmly denied by Russian state media. In his statement, Trump asserted that the United States would manage Venezuela's affairs in the immediate future. He also claimed that Rodriguez had expressed a willingness to do "what we think is necessary to make Venezuela great again," echoing his own famous campaign slogan.
Who is Delcy Rodriguez?
At 56, Delcy Rodriguez is a formidable and experienced figure in Venezuelan politics. Born in Caracas on May 18, 1969, she is the daughter of left-wing guerrilla fighter Jorge Antonio Rodriguez, who founded the revolutionary Liga Socialista party in the 1970s. Known for her fierce loyalty, Rodriguez is a strong defender of Maduro's socialist government, earning her the nickname "tiger" from the president himself.
Her political career is deeply intertwined with her family and the ruling party. She works closely with her brother, Jorge Rodriguez, who heads Venezuela's National Assembly. Over the years, she has held several critical government positions:
- Minister of Communication and Information (2013-2014)
- Foreign Minister (2014-2017)
- Head of the pro-government Constituent Assembly (from 2017), a body that significantly expanded Maduro's powers.
Her appointment as vice president came in June 2018, with Maduro praising her as a brave, seasoned revolutionary. In August 2024, her responsibilities grew further when she was tasked with overseeing the crucial oil ministry, managing the impact of escalating US sanctions on Venezuela's most vital industry.
Economic Powerhouse and Personal Profile
Rodriguez's influence stems from her control over the country's economic levers. She has simultaneously held the powerful trio of roles: Vice President, Finance Minister, and Oil Minister. This makes her the central architect managing Venezuela's struggling economy. She has applied orthodox economic policies to combat hyperinflation and has played a key role in shaping the government's interactions with the private sector.
An attorney by training, Rodriguez is a graduate of the Universidad Central de Venezuela. Away from the political arena, she is known for her affinity for designer fashion. Over the last decade, she has risen rapidly through the ranks to establish herself as one of the most prominent and powerful political figures in the nation.
Amid the current crisis, Rodriguez's voice was heard via an audio message where she called on the US to provide proof of life for Maduro and his wife. However, the location from which this message was recorded remains a mystery, underscoring the uncertain and fluid situation in Caracas following the dramatic capture of its long-time leader.
