In a highly anticipated address at the World Economic Forum in Davos, U.S. President Donald Trump astonished the international audience with a bold forecast regarding Venezuela's imminent future.
Speaking with a tone of triumph, after discussing the new political landscape in Caracas, Trump asserted that the South American nation would "earn more money in the next six months than in the past two decades," crediting a new oil agreement forged with the U.S. following the capture of Nicolás Maduro.
A Surprising Partnership Following Maduro's Capture
Trump began his speech by highlighting what he described as a "radical shift" in Venezuelan leadership. He stated that after the January 3rd military operation in Caracas, which resulted in Nicolás Maduro's capture on narcotrafficking charges, the new authorities swiftly moved to establish a cooperative framework with the United States.
"The country's leaders have been very good (...), very, very smart," Trump declared to the assembly of business leaders and heads of state gathered in Switzerland. "Once the attack was over, they said: 'Let's make a deal.'
The President specifically mentioned Delcy Rodríguez, Maduro's former vice president and the current head of Venezuela's interim government, as a pivotal figure in this new phase. Besides maintaining political control, Rodríguez serves as the Hydrocarbons Minister in a context where Washington oversees Venezuelan crude oil's international sales.
Venezuelan Oil: The Promise of Prosperity
Trump emphasized the significance of the agreement: the United States has purchased 50 million barrels of high-quality Venezuelan oil, a transaction that, as he explained, will benefit both Caracas and Washington.
"We are helping them, and we will share those 50 million barrels with them. They will make more money than they have in a long time," he stated.
The President predicted that Venezuela "is going to do fantastically well," thanks to the revitalization of its energy sector with direct involvement from American companies. According to him, the nation is poised for an unprecedented financial recovery: "Venezuela will make more money [from oil] in the next six months than it has in the past 20 years."
However, press agencies highlight that these claims contrast with warnings from the International Energy Agency (IEA), which reminded on Wednesday that Venezuelan crude is extra-heavy and requires costly and complex processes for extraction and refining.
The IEA expressed skepticism that the country could reach its historical production levels in the short term, even with foreign investment.
Initial Revenue and Economic Priorities
Delcy Rodríguez confirmed on Tuesday that the initial revenues from this new phase of oil sales are already flowing into Venezuela's coffers. "As a result of the oil sales, $300 million of the expected $500 million have been received," she announced during a televised broadcast on the state channel VTV.
Rodríguez stated that these funds would be allocated to economic protection policies: "The income will be used to fund workers' wages and protect the purchasing power of Venezuelans against inflation, as well as the negative impacts of currency market fluctuations."
Conclusion: A New Energy and Political Order
Trump's speech in Davos not only signaled a shift in U.S. policy towards Venezuela but also suggested a geopolitical scenario where the control of oil and strategic alliances redraw the power map in Latin America.
If the promises of economic prosperity materialize, Venezuela could embark on a new era of recovery, albeit with significant external dependencies and unresolved structural challenges.
Nonetheless, questions remain about the sustainability of this model, its internal legitimacy, and the genuine scope of cooperation between Caracas and Washington in a nation ravaged by years of political, economic, and social crisis.
Key Questions on Venezuela's Economic Future
What is the significance of the oil agreement between the U.S. and Venezuela?
The oil agreement involves the United States purchasing 50 million barrels of Venezuelan oil, which is expected to financially benefit both nations and help revitalize Venezuela's energy sector.
Who is Delcy Rodríguez and what role does she play in Venezuela's new government?
Delcy Rodríguez, the former vice president under Nicolás Maduro, is now leading Venezuela's interim government and serves as the Hydrocarbons Minister, playing a key role in the new cooperation with the United States.
What challenges does Venezuela face in achieving economic recovery?
Despite potential financial gains, Venezuela faces challenges such as the high cost and complexity of extracting and refining its extra-heavy crude oil, and skepticism about reaching historical production levels quickly.