Venezuela's Power Player: Delcy Rodríguez's Rise and Strategy

Delcy Rodríguez, now Venezuela's interim president, has always been a shrewd player in politics. Back in 2017, when Donald Trump became U. S. president, she saw a chance to make a deal. She directed Citgo, a company owned by Venezuela's state oil firm, to give half a million dollars to Trump's inauguration. Her goal? To open doors for American investment in Venezuela, which was struggling under socialist leader Nicolás Maduro. But her plan didn't work out as expected. Trump, influenced by then-Senator Marco Rubio, focused on restoring democracy in Venezuela instead. Despite this setback, Rodríguez became known in U. S. business and political circles. This helped her climb the political ladder. Fast forward to today, and Rodríguez is in charge. She says Venezuela is ready for business. Trump has praised her but also warned her to keep the ruling party in line and give the U. S. access to Venezuela's oil. Interestingly, neither of them has mentioned holding elections, which the constitution requires within 30 days of a presidential vacancy. Rodríguez's political journey has been marked by both tragedy and ambition. Her father was a socialist leader who died in custody when she was young. This event shaped her leftist views. She joined the political movement started by Hugo Chávez, but her rise was slow. Chávez even fired her once for being arrogant and incompetent.However, her luck changed when Nicolás Maduro took over after Chávez's death. Rodríguez, who studied law in Britain and France, had an edge. She spoke English and had spent time in the U. S. , making her a favorite among the new elite in Venezuela. She also had connections with powerful figures, some of whom were later indicted for money laundering. As vice president, Rodríguez gained control over Venezuela's oil economy. She brought in foreign advisers to help manage the country's finances. Despite her power, she faced challenges and even jailed a former oil minister as part of an anti-corruption crackdown. Now, as interim president, Rodríguez is seen as a more flexible leader than Maduro. Some compare her to Deng Xiaoping, the leader who modernized China. Her experience and connections will be crucial as she tries to revive Venezuela's economy and navigate the country's complex political landscape. The future of democracy in Venezuela is uncertain under Rodríguez's leadership. Trump has criticized opposition leader María Corina Machado, who won what many consider a stolen election. It seems that elections are not on the table right now. Instead, Rodríguez is focused on stabilizing the country and dealing with the challenges ahead.