Venezuela is in the midst of a historic shift.
On Tuesday, Delcy Rodríguez, the country’s caretaker president, made a bold move to reshape the nation’s economic leadership. She appointed Calixto Ortega Sánchez — a seasoned economist and former head of Venezuela’s central bank — to her cabinet’s most important economic post. This was the same position Rodríguez herself once held under the government of Nicolás Maduro. GMA Network
Rodríguez’s decision marks her first major cabinet change since taking office just days earlier — after the dramatic capture of Maduro by U.S. military forces. The Washington Post
A Leader with Economic Expertise
Ortega Sánchez isn’t new to Venezuela’s financial system. He led the country’s central bank from 2018 to 2025 and has deep experience in the crucial oil sector. His appointment sends a clear message: the new leadership wants to stabilize the economy and build on recent growth figures in the country. Wikipedia
Rodríguez said the government aims “to consolidate” last year’s economic performance, citing a regional forecast that projected Venezuela could grow 6.5 percent in 2025. GMA Network
A Complicated Economic Situation
Venezuela’s economic recovery — though showing signs of life — remains fragile.
The local currency continues to lose value, sparking fears of renewed inflation. At the same time, Rodríguez is credited by some analysts with helping the country recover from a deep crisis by easing currency controls and allowing widespread use of the U.S. dollar. TIME
It’s a delicate balance. The new economic chief now faces the challenge of steering Venezuela toward stability while the nation grapples with political uncertainty at home and intense international scrutiny abroad.
A Leader Under Pressure
Rodríguez’s rise to interim president came only after Maduro’s unexpected removal. A Venezuelan court ordered her to assume the role, aiming to ensure administrative continuity and maintain national defense as the country navigates these turbulent times. GMA Network
Her leadership is being watched closely — not just inside Venezuela, but around the world.
U.S. President Donald Trump has signaled a willingness to work with Rodríguez if she aligns with U.S. goals, especially regarding Venezuela’s vast oil resources. TIME
Whether Rodríguez and her new economic team can deliver stability — or reshape Venezuela’s future — remains a central question for millions of Venezuelans and global leaders alike.
