Venezuela’s Acting President Says She has had "Enough" of U.S. Orders

Venezuela’s acting president, Delcy Rodríguez, said that she has had “enough” of Washington’s orders as she works to unite the country following the US seizure of former leader Nicolás Maduro, Laura Sharman reported for CNN.

Rodríguez, Maduro’s former deputy, has insisted in recent weeks that the US does not govern Venezuela, while also avoiding direct confrontation with Washington.(Photo: Delcy Rodríguez Facebook) 

Rodríguez has been walking a tightrope since being backed by the US to lead the country on an interim basis, balancing the need to keep Maduro loyalists on board at home while ensuring the White House remains satisfied.

Now, almost a month into her new role, Rodríguez has pushed back amid continued pressure, including demands for Venezuela to resume oil production.

The White House has maintained steady pressure since Maduro and his wife, Cilia Flores, were seized in a raid in early January and taken to the US, where the former leader faces criminal charges.

“Enough already of Washington’s orders over politicians in Venezuela,” Rodríguez told a group of oil workers in Puerto La Cruz, in remarks broadcast by state-run Venezolana de Televisión.

“Let Venezuelan politics resolve our differences and our internal conflicts. This republic has paid a very high price for confronting the consequences of fascism and extremism in our country.”

Rodríguez, Maduro’s former deputy, has insisted in recent weeks that the US does not govern Venezuela, while also avoiding direct confrontation with Washington.