Between Pressure And Power: Delcy Rodriguez Walks A Tightrope In Post-Maduro Venezuela

Venezuela has woken up to a new political reality, but not necessarily a calmer one.

Just days after the dramatic capture of longtime strongman Nicolas Maduro by US special forces, interim leader Delcy Rodriguez has stepped into the spotlight with a message meant to reassure a shaken nation. Venezuela, she insists, is still in Venezuelan hands.

Yet even as Rodriguez declared that “no foreign agent” is governing the country, Washington was sending a very different signal.

A Country Caught Between Defiance And Dependence

Standing before the nation, Rodriguez struck a careful tone. Proud, defiant, but cautious. Her words were clearly aimed at a domestic audience still reeling from the sight of foreign troops operating in Caracas and the sudden removal of a president who, for all his unpopularity, ruled with iron control for more than a decade.

Across the Atlantic, US President Donald Trump made his intentions unmistakably clear. He announced that Venezuela would soon hand over between 30 and 50 million barrels of oil to the United States, with the proceeds controlled directly by Washington.

The message was blunt. Cooperation is expected. Resistance will come at a cost.

For Rodriguez, the challenge is immediate and severe. She must signal openness to international engagement without appearing to surrender sovereignty, all while keeping the loyalty of security forces and political hardliners who still dominate the streets.

Mourning, Military Losses And A Nervous Capital

Caracas has remained tense since Maduro’s capture. Armed patrols have been visible, and the interim government has declared seven days of mourning for those killed during the US operation.

Venezuela’s military has confirmed the deaths of 23 troops, including five generals. Cuba, one of Maduro’s closest allies, has acknowledged the loss of 32 of its own personnel, many tied to his personal security.

What remains unclear is the civilian toll. Officials have spoken of dozens of deaths, but no detailed breakdown has been released. The lack of transparency has only deepened public unease.

No Surrender, But No Clear Escape

Rodriguez’s speeches have oscillated between calls for national resilience and hints of pragmatism. She has praised those killed as martyrs while avoiding direct confrontation with Washington.

This balancing act is deliberate. Her political survival depends on maintaining unity with powerful figures like Interior Minister Diosdado Cabello and Defence Minister Vladimir Padrino Lopez, both seen as kingmakers in the post-Maduro era.

At the same time, Trump has issued an unmistakable warning. Failure to comply with US demands, particularly around oil access, could bring consequences even harsher than those faced by Maduro himself.

Distrust From The Opposition And Abroad

Venezuela’s opposition remains deeply sceptical. Veteran opposition leader Maria Corina Machado has publicly warned that Rodriguez represents continuity, not change, accusing her of being central to past repression, corruption and international alliances with Russia, China and Iran.

These accusations complicate any effort to attract foreign investment or rebuild Venezuela’s shattered economy. Investors, already wary after years of sanctions and instability, are watching closely to see whether Rodriguez signals genuine reform or simply repackages the old order.

Elections Loom, Uncertainty Reigns

According to Venezuela’s constitution, formal elections must be held within 30 days once Maduro is officially declared absent, a process that could take up to six months.

If that timeline holds, the country may soon face its first real electoral test in years. The opposition believes it would win decisively, pointing to the disputed 2024 vote as evidence of overwhelming public support.

For now, though, Venezuela sits in political limbo. Its interim leader is trying to assert authority at home while navigating unprecedented pressure from abroad.

Delcy Rodriguez may insist that no foreign power runs Venezuela, but the days ahead will determine whether that claim holds up under the weight of oil politics, military reality and a restless population eager for change.

{Source:IOL}

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