In a bold move, Venezuela's interim president, Delcy Rodríguez, called on Sunday for an end to Washington's interference in Venezuelan political affairs, advocating for dialogue as the means to resolve internal conflicts. Her plea comes amid a politically tense atmosphere following the downfall of Nicolás Maduro's regime.
According to EFE reports, Rodríguez addressed oil workers in Puerto La Cruz, declaring, "Enough of Washington's orders regarding politicians in Venezuela," while emphasizing the importance of creating "spaces for democratic divergence" within the nation.
She urged for "politics with a capital P and V for Venezuela," underscoring that differences should be settled domestically without external mandates.
Rodríguez's speech coincides with her administration's efforts to initiate dialogues with various political sectors. This is against a backdrop where the United States, under Donald Trump's presidency and with Marco Rubio as Secretary of State, plays a significant role in Venezuela's transition following Maduro's removal from power.
As a key figure in the chavista movement, Rodríguez is striving to strengthen her leadership at a time when the country faces both internal and international pressures. She aims to position herself as a capable interlocutor who can ensure stability as Venezuela progresses towards a new political order.
Despite Rodríguez's recent assertion of "sovereignty," the reality is that since the capture of dictator Nicolás Maduro, the United States has been pulling the strings in the Latin American country.
A recently leaked audio attributed to Rodríguez exposed alleged direct threats from the United States against top Venezuelan officials. The recording, initially released by the journalism collective La Hora de Venezuela and cited by international media, features Rodríguez claiming U.S. officials gave her, Diosdado Cabello, and Jorge Rodríguez a 15-minute ultimatum to choose cooperation with Washington or face assassination.
"They told us that Maduro was not kidnapped but dead," Rodríguez is heard saying in the audio, which was recorded during a private meeting with regime-friendly communicators and influencers, shortly after a U.S. military operation.
Moreover, Delcy Rodríguez and her brother Jorge reportedly engaged in secret communications with U.S. and Qatari officials months before the military operation that led to dictator Nicolás Maduro and his wife Cilia Flores's capture.
A The Guardian investigation revealed that the Rodríguez siblings promised to cooperate with the Trump administration once the chavista leader was ousted from power. Sources cited by the British newspaper indicated that Delcy Rodríguez, then Venezuela's vice president, and her brother Jorge, president of the National Assembly, assured U.S. and Qatari officials, through intermediaries, of their favorable stance on Maduro's departure.
Recently, Rodríguez stated she has "no fear" of confronting differences with the United States and reiterated that her government maintains a dialogue process with President Donald Trump's administration.
Key Questions on Venezuela's Political Situation
What did Delcy Rodríguez call for in her recent speech?
Delcy Rodríguez called for an end to Washington's interference in Venezuelan politics and advocated for dialogue as the way to resolve internal conflicts.
What was revealed in the leaked audio attributed to Rodríguez?
The leaked audio revealed alleged threats from U.S. officials, giving Delcy Rodríguez, Diosdado Cabello, and Jorge Rodríguez a short ultimatum to cooperate with Washington or face assassination.
How did Delcy and Jorge Rodríguez plan to cooperate with the Trump administration?
According to a Guardian investigation, the Rodríguez siblings secretly communicated with U.S. and Qatari officials, promising to cooperate with the Trump administration after Nicolás Maduro was removed from power.