Why Delcy Rodriguez became the choice of America and oil companies as Venezuela's new leader (file photo)
Digital Desk, New Delhi. After the change of power in Venezuela, one question that is most discussed is why did America and global oil companies trust Delsey Rodriguez? Even before the arrest of President Nicolas Maduro, top oil industry officials, investors and lobbyists were arguing in Washington that if anyone can handle the country after Maduro, it is his number-2 Delcy Rodriguez.
Delsey Rodriguez herself has been Oil Minister and has experience in handling Venezuela's oil sector in times of international sanctions, economic crisis and government mismanagement. The oil industry believed that they could advance the US plan to make Venezuela a major oil producing country again.
The same conclusion was reached at different levels within the Trump administration. Officials believed Rodriguez, considered a bridge between the government and private companies, could stabilize the economy more quickly and open the way for American companies than opposition leader Maria Corina Machado.
Why did Delsey Rodriguez become the oil industry's choice?
The US administration wanted to learn a lesson from the chaos that followed the fall of Saddam Hussein in Iraq. In such a situation, it was considered necessary to maintain business continuity after the change of power. Rodriguez fits this criteria because she was already at the helm of the oil system and has decades-long relationships within the government.
Although America's big oil companies were not directly involved in this lobbying. Chevron, which is the only major US company currently operating in Venezuela, said it had no prior knowledge of the move to oust Maduro and had not negotiated with the new government. According to the company, its work is continuing without interruption as per the law.
President Donald Trump endorsed Delsey Rodriguez as interim leader at a press conference on Saturday. He described María Corina Machado as lacking respect for leadership. This statement was considered a big blow to Machado supporters.
America's stance and pressure of oil sanctions
The White House did not comment in detail on the issue, but Secretary of State and National Security Adviser Marco Rubio said the US would use its oil sanctions and regional military presence to pursue its policy goals. He made it clear that America will keep an eye on Rodriguez's work more than his words.
There is pressure from oil companies that the restrictions should be relaxed soon. By the end of December, Venezuela had to shut down wells due to lack of oil storage. If this situation continues, the recovery of the economy will be difficult and Rodriguez's power may also weaken.
On Monday, Delcy Rodriguez was sworn in as acting president at the National Assembly. At first he called Maduro's arrest a kidnapping, but the next day he talked about cooperation with America within the ambit of law. Sources believe that the initial tough statements were to avoid internal pressure.
Expectations of oil companies
Rodriguez, 56, has been one of the most powerful faces of the Maduro government. She has also been the Foreign Minister and became the Oil Minister in 2024. He was given the responsibility of cleaning up the national oil company PDVSA, bringing transparency and curbing corruption.
His international contacts are very strong. She regularly talks to senior executives of oil companies from Houston to Mumbai and also has deep ties in Beijing and Moscow. In addition to Chevron, companies such as ConocoPhillips, Shell, Repsol, Eni and Morel à Prome are also looking at the possibility of returning or expanding into Venezuela.
Investors and bondholders also have expectations from him, especially regarding the restructuring of about $60 billion of debt. Unlike Maduro, Rodriguez has no criminal charges in the US, making him a viable alternative.
From revolutionary legacy to power
Delsey Rodriguez entered politics during the Hugo Chávez era. His father Jorge Antonio Rodríguez was a leftist leader who died in prison in 1976. This incident has been an important part of Delsey's political identity. His brother Jorge Rodriguez has also been a big face of the Maduro government.
She is known for working long hours and was one of Maduro's most trusted aides. She was with Maduro even during the strict repression that followed the disputed 2024 elections.
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