Who is Delcy Rodriguez, Nicolas Maduro’s ‘tiger’ who has been named Venezuela’s interim president?

Venezuela is facing a major political crisis after the United States carried out a “large-scale strike” on the country early Saturday. During this operation, US forces captured President Nicolas Maduro and his wife, Cilia Flores, removing them from Venezuela after months of pressure on the government. The strike caused confusion and uncertainty across the country, with reports about military casualties and damage still emerging.

In response to the sudden vacuum in leadership, Venezuela’s Supreme Court appointed Vice President Delcy Rodriguez as the country’s interim president. This announcement confirmed that Rodriguez, a senior and trusted member of Maduro’s administration, would take charge during this crisis. The US justified its attack on Venezuela citing issues like migration, drug trafficking, and “narco-terrorism,” accusing Maduro’s government of enabling these activities.

Delcy Rodriguez has been a key figure in Venezuelan politics for many years. She was appointed Vice President in June 2018 and has also held the roles of Finance Minister and Oil Minister. Her control over both the financial and energy sectors has made her one of the most influential leaders in Maduro’s government. Maduro has described her as a “tiger” because of her loyalty and strong defense of his socialist policies.

Who is Delcy Rodriguez and why she matters

Delcy Rodriguez is 56 years old and was born in Caracas on May 18, 1969. She comes from a politically active family. Her father, Jorge Antonio Rodriguez, was a left-wing guerrilla fighter who founded the revolutionary Liga Socialista party in the 1970s. Following in her father’s footsteps, Delcy has dedicated her career to politics and the socialist government of Venezuela.

Rodriguez studied law at the Universidad Central de Venezuela and became an attorney. Over the last decade, she has risen quickly through political ranks. Between 2013 and 2014, she served as the Communication and Information Minister. From 2014 to 2017, she was Venezuela’s Foreign Minister, during which she made headlines for trying to attend a Mercosur trade bloc meeting in Buenos Aires after Venezuela was suspended from the group.

In August 2024, Rodriguez took over the Oil Ministry, one of Venezuela’s most important positions, especially during US sanctions on the country. Her role requires her to manage Venezuela’s oil exports and navigate economic pressures caused by international restrictions. In addition to her political life, Rodriguez is known for her love of designer fashion, reflecting her public persona.

Rodriguez’s appointment as interim president is significant because she is closely aligned with Maduro and is experienced in handling Venezuela’s most critical sectors: finance, oil, and foreign relations. Her leadership will be tested immediately as the country deals with the fallout of the US strike and growing political instability.

The United States has long viewed the Maduro government as illegitimate and a threat to regional stability. President Donald Trump has linked Venezuela to increasing migration toward the US southern border and argued that the country is a major hub for drug trafficking. These issues formed the basis for the US military strike, which they claim is aimed at curbing “narco-terrorism” and protecting American interests.

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Delcy Rodriguez now faces a challenging task. She must stabilize Venezuela’s political system, ensure the functioning of the economy, and maintain control over the military during a period of intense uncertainty. Her experience as Vice President and her command over key ministries give her tools to manage these crises, but the situation remains highly unstable. Analysts suggest that Rodriguez’s leadership will also be crucial in determining Venezuela’s international relations, especially with countries like Russia, China, and Cuba, which have historically supported Maduro.

As interim president, Rodriguez will also need to address internal challenges. Venezuelan citizens are facing severe economic hardships, shortages of essential goods, and ongoing inflation. Managing public trust and preventing social unrest will be key priorities, alongside securing the loyalty of military leaders who are vital to maintaining order. Her ability to navigate these pressures could shape the country’s immediate future and determine whether Venezuela can recover from the shock of the US attack.

In conclusion, Delcy Rodriguez is now at the center of one of the most critical moments in Venezuela’s history. As a seasoned politician with control over finance, oil, and foreign affairs, she is well-positioned to lead the country temporarily. Her appointment underscores her importance in Maduro’s inner circle and highlights her loyalty and experience. However, she faces an unprecedented challenge: steering Venezuela through a sudden leadership crisis caused by foreign military intervention while managing internal political, economic, and social pressures. Her decisions in the coming days will be crucial for the nation’s stability and may define the path for Venezuela’s future leadership and international relations.