Delcy Rodriguez has ascended to Venezuela’s interim presidency following the arrest of Nicolás Maduro by U.S. forces, positioning herself as one of the most formidable figures in the nation’s political landscape. The 56-year-old lawyer, known for her economic orthodoxy and luxury brand preferences, has earned the moniker ‘the tsarina’ through a decade of accumulating significant influence in Venezuelan public life.
Maduro famously refers to Rodriguez as his ‘tigress’ for her unwavering defense of his socialist administration—a government plagued by severe economic crisis, allegations of torture, arbitrary detentions, and the exodus of approximately 8 million migrants. Her political journey includes serving as vice president since 2018 while simultaneously holding the portfolios of Finance Minister and Oil Minister. Previously, she led the Communications Ministry, Foreign Ministry, and presided over the government-aligned legislative body.
The Rodriguez political dynasty traces back to their father, Jorge Antonio Rodriguez, a leftist guerrilla founder of the revolutionary Socialist League who died in police custody under circumstances his family attributes to torture. Maduro has celebrated him as a hero of Venezuela’s leftist movement.
Educated in labor law with nine years spent in France and England for postgraduate studies, Rodriguez maintains an unusually public profile for a Venezuelan official. She frequently participates in table tennis matches with her brother Jorge Rodriguez, current president of the National Assembly, sharing their matches on social media platforms.
As vice president, Rodriguez implemented orthodox economic policies that successfully reduced hyperinflation from over 100% through government spending cuts, credit restrictions, and a fixed dollar-bolivar exchange rate. Her stewardship maintained Venezuela’s oil production at approximately 1.1 million barrels per day throughout last year, fostering close relationships with international energy companies including Chevron.
Described by industry leaders as a ‘workaholic,’ Rodriguez actively engages with the private sector—a marked departure from other government officials’ approaches. She represents Venezuela’s most frequent diplomatic traveler to allied nations including China, Russia, and Turkey, reinforcing strategic international partnerships during a period of unprecedented domestic challenges.