When Nicolás Maduro was captured by U.S. forces, Venezuela’s political stage shifted dramatically. Into the spotlight stepped Delcy Eloína Rodríguez, the country’s vice president and oil minister, now declared acting president. Known as the “tsarina” for her commanding presence and influence, Rodríguez embodies both continuity and change in Venezuela’s turbulent political landscape.

A Political Powerhouse

Career trajectory: Rodríguez has held nearly every major cabinet role—communications minister, foreign minister, head of a pro‑government legislature, finance minister, and oil minister—before becoming vice president in 2018. 

Dual responsibilities: She simultaneously managed Venezuela’s finances and oil sector, cementing her reputation as one of the most powerful figures in government. 

Family ties: She works closely with her brother Jorge Rodríguez, head of the National Assembly. Both are children of Jorge Antonio Rodríguez, a leftist guerrilla fighter who died in police custody in 1976, a figure Maduro hailed as a hero of the Venezuelan left.

Economic Orthodoxy in a Socialist State

Rodríguez is notable for her pragmatic economic approach. After years of hyperinflation and crippling U.S. sanctions, she implemented orthodox policies:

– Cutting public spending 

– Limiting credit 

– Fixing the dollar–bolívar exchange rate 

These measures helped tame Venezuela’s triple‑digit inflation. She also stabilized oil production at around 1.1 million barrels per day in 2025, working with foreign companies like Chevron.

International Reach

Unlike many of her peers, Rodríguez actively engages with the private sector and attends industry events. She is also Venezuela’s most frequent traveler abroad, strengthening ties with China, Russia, and Turkey—key allies in the country’s geopolitical strategy.

Style and Persona

– Often seen in luxury clothing brands, Rodríguez projects an image of authority and sophistication. 

– She is described by industry leaders as a workaholic, tirelessly networking with business leaders. 

– On social media, she shares lighter moments, such as table tennis matches with her brother.

The “Tsarina” and the “Tigress”

Her nickname “tsarina” reflects her dominance in Venezuelan politics, while Maduro himself once called her a “tigress” for her fierce defense of his government. Together, these monikers capture her dual identity: a loyal defender of the socialist project and a pragmatic operator capable of navigating economic realities.

Delcy Rodríguez’s rise to acting president marks a pivotal moment in Venezuela’s history. With her blend of orthodox economics, international diplomacy, and iron‑fist politics, she is poised to shape the country’s next chapter. Whether she will be remembered as a stabilizer or a symbol of entrenched power remains to be seen—but for now, the “tsarina” reigns.