Delcy Rodriguez Takes Over Venezuela Amid US Pressure

Delcy Rodriguez was sworn in as Venezuela’s new president after United States forces captured former leader Nicolas Maduro and his wife. Her sudden elevation comes at a moment of extreme geopolitical tension. She inherits a fractured state, a struggling economy, and a Bolivarian political system defined by resistance to external influence, particularly from the United States.

Legacy of the Bolivarian Revolution

Rodriguez assumes leadership of a political movement rooted in the ideology of former president Hugo Chavez. The Bolivarian revolution is built on anti-imperialism and state control over key sectors, especially oil. This legacy limits her room for manoeuvre, as any perceived compromise with Washington risks alienating the core political base. Her early remarks condemning Maduro’s capture as a “barbarity” were aimed at reassuring loyalists wary of American intentions.

Managing Relations With Washington

The immediate external challenge is negotiating with US President Donald Trump, whose administration has kept warships in the Caribbean and warned of severe consequences if Rodriguez resists cooperation. Washington has outlined clear demands, including curbing drug trafficking, expelling Iranian and Cuban operatives, and halting oil sales to US adversaries. At the same time, US officials view Rodriguez as comparatively pragmatic on economic management, a factor that allowed her ascent.

Domestic Power Struggles and Security Control

Internally, Rodriguez faces entrenched power centres. Key figures such as Diosdado Cabello and Defence Minister Vladimir Padrino Lopez control the armed forces, police, and intelligence networks. Their support is critical for regime stability. The situation is further complicated by opposition claims from exiled diplomat Edmundo Gonzalez, who asserts he won the 2024 election and has declared himself president-in-exile, deepening institutional uncertainty.

Imporatnt Facts for Exams

• Venezuela follows a presidential system with strong executive powers.
• The Bolivarian revolution emphasises anti-imperialism and state-led development.
• Venezuela holds the world’s largest proven oil reserves.
• US sanctions have heavily impacted Venezuela’s oil exports and economy.

Economic Constraints and Future Elections

Rodriguez is widely considered competent on economic issues, but her scope is narrow. The US continues to block sanctioned oil tankers and strike vessels suspected of narcotics trafficking. While Washington expects eventual free elections and a political transition, no timetable has been announced. Balancing economic stabilisation, military loyalty, and international pressure will define the durability of her presidency.