Caracas, Venezuela – Interim President Delcy Rodríguez has declared that Venezuela will no longer bow to U.S. directives, insisting that the country’s political and economic future must be determined internally.
Speaking to oil workers in Anzoátegui on Sunday, Rodríguez criticized Washington’s pressure to open Venezuela’s petroleum sector to U.S. investment following the recent capture of former leader Nicolás Maduro.
“It is important that we open spaces for democratic dissent, but that it be politics, with a capital P and with a V for Venezuela,” Rodríguez said.
“Enough of Washington’s orders to politicians in Venezuela. May Venezuelan politics be the one to resolve our differences and our internal conflicts. Enough of foreign powers, this Republic has paid a very high price for having to face the consequences of fascism and extremism in our country.”
Political Prisoners and Transparency
Meanwhile, families of hundreds of Venezuelans still detained in prisons are demanding their release and greater transparency in the process. Rights groups claim many of those imprisoned were targeted for their political views.
Following Maduro’s capture, the government pledged to release “a significant number” of detainees. Rodríguez announced on Friday that 626 prisoners had been freed, while accusing certain groups of manipulating figures to misrepresent the situation.
She added that she would request the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights to verify the lists of released prisoners to end discrepancies and ensure accountability.
Context and Implications
Rodríguez’s remarks highlight Venezuela’s ongoing struggle to assert sovereignty amid international pressure and internal political divisions. Her call for Venezuelan-led solutions underscores the government’s resistance to foreign influence, particularly from Washington, while the issue of political prisoners remains a critical test of transparency and human rights.
Conclusion
As Venezuela navigates a turbulent political landscape, Rodríguez’s defiant stance signals a push to reclaim national agency in both governance and economic policy. The coming weeks will reveal whether promises of prisoner releases and appeals to international oversight can ease tensions and bolster confidence in the country’s democratic processes.
