"Let Us Not Be Afraid Of Diplomacy": Delcy Rodriguez In Her First Address To Venezuela's National Assembly

Venezuela’s interim President Delcy Rodríguez on Thursday asked lawmakers to approve reforms to the oil industry that would open the doors to greater foreign investment during her first state of the union speech less than two weeks after its longtime leader was toppled by the United States.

She mandated the Ministry of Economy and Finance to create two sovereign funds. "The first sovereign fund will be for social protection to improve the income of our men and women workers,” Rodriguez said.

Rodríguez, who has been under pressure by the Trump administration to fall in line with its vision for the oil-rich nation, said sales of Venezuelan oil would go to bolster crisis-stricken health services, economic development and other infrastructure projects.

She outlined a distinct vision for the future, straying from her predecessors, who have long railed against American intervention in Venezuela. 

“Let us not be afraid of diplomacy” with the U.S., said Rodriguez, the former vice president who must now navigate competing pressures from the Trump administration and a government loyal to former President Nicolás Maduro.

The speech, which was broadcast on a delay in Venezuela, came one day after Rodríguez said her government would continue releasing prisoners detained under Maduro in what she described as “a new political moment” since his ouster.

Also Read: Maharashtra Civic Polls: High Voter Turnout and Controversy as Exit Polls Predict Mahayuti Sweep