Delcy Rodríguez, a 56-year-old Venezuelan lawyer and politician, was sworn in by her brother Jorge Rodríguez, president of Venezuela’s National Assembly. A senior figure in Venezuela’s ruling political establishment, Rodríguez is a longtime member of the United Socialist Party of Venezuela (PSUV), which has led the country for over 20 years.
Rodríguez earned her law degree from the Central University of Venezuela (UCV), a leading public university. Active as a student leader during her time at UCV, she later studied labor law in Paris but did not complete her degree there. Before entering high-level politics, Rodríguez was an academic and labor advocate, teaching at UCV and leading the Venezuelan Association of Labor Lawyers.
Her political career has been deeply intertwined with Venezuela’s ruling regime. Rodríguez, a staunch ally of former president Hugo Chávez and current president Nicolás Maduro, has held numerous senior government positions, cementing her as one of the country’s most influential figures. Since 2018, she has served as Venezuela’s Vice President, playing a central role in executive decisions.
In addition to her vice presidency, Rodríguez has held several other prominent cabinet posts, including oil minister, finance minister, communications minister, and foreign minister. She has also led a pro-government legislative body, enhancing her status as a key operative in the government.
Rodríguez is particularly noted for her connections to Venezuela’s private sector, advocating for collaboration with businesses amidst the country’s ongoing economic struggles. While remaining loyal to the socialist party, she has supported policies designed to attract private companies and investors, establishing herself as a pivotal figure in Venezuela’s economic and political negotiations.
Known for her strong defense of the government’s policies, Rodríguez is sometimes referred to as “the tsarina,” reflecting her authority and unwavering public defense of state policy. She plays a significant role in both domestic and international government messaging.
Rodríguez’s political career is also linked to her family. Her brother, Jorge Rodríguez, president of the National Assembly, swore her into office, marking another milestone for the Rodríguez family in Venezuela’s political landscape.
Alongside Rodríguez’s swearing-in, 283 lawmakers from the recent May parliamentary elections were also sworn in, with only a few opposition members present. Most opposition parties, including María Corina Machado’s faction, boycotted the elections. The only elected lawmaker absent was First Lady Cilia Flores, who is currently in U.S. custody.
