Caracas | January 17, 2026
Venezuela appears to be entering a new political and economic phase following the arrest of former president Nicolás Maduro. In her first national address since assuming office, acting president Delsy Rodríguez signaled a major policy shift, announcing that the country’s oil industry will be opened to foreign investors—a move widely seen as the result of mounting U.S. pressure.
Oil Revenue to Be Used for National Development
Rodríguez outlined a fresh economic roadmap, emphasizing that the new oil policy aims to bring Venezuela back on a path of recovery after years of instability.
She announced that:
-
A new energy policy is being drafted
-
Venezuelan diplomats have been instructed to brief foreign investors about the reforms
-
Revenue from oil sales will be integrated into the national budget
-
Funds will be directed toward healthcare, infrastructure, and social welfare
Her remarks closely mirrored statements issued earlier by the U.S. administration, which insisted that Venezuela’s oil proceeds must be used “for the welfare of the Venezuelan people.”
Rodríguez acknowledged that the country’s public services, especially healthcare and infrastructure, deteriorated significantly under the leadership of Hugo Chávez and Nicolás Maduro, and promised corrective efforts.
Criticism of U.S. Actions, But Diplomatic Tone Softens
In a balanced yet politically strategic message, Rodríguez sharply criticized the U.S. operation that led to Maduro’s arrest, calling it a “stain on bilateral relations.”
However, she also expressed openness to diplomacy:
“We should not fear diplomacy,” she said.
“If I go to Washington, I will walk with my head held high, not crawling.”
Throughout her 44-minute address, a photograph of Maduro and his wife Cilia Flores was placed beside her, signaling that Rodríguez is trying to:
-
Reassure Maduro loyalists, and
-
Avoid provoking Washington, which now has significant leverage in the region
Background: U.S. Operation and Political Shifts in Caracas
Rodríguez’s speech comes just one day after Venezuela’s acting government released several prisoners detained under Maduro.
On January 3, the United States launched Operation Absolute Resolve, during which American forces arrested:
-
Nicolás Maduro
-
His wife, Cilia Flores
Both were taken to the U.S., where Maduro is currently in custody and facing trial.
Following his arrest, Delsy Rodríguez was sworn in as Venezuela’s acting president.
Her latest policy announcements indicate a potential realignment of Venezuela’s oil strategy—one of the world’s largest crude reserves—under intense global scrutiny.
