Acting Leader Pushes Back Against Foreign Influence in Oil-Rich Nation

The South American nation’s acting president reportedly delivered a sharp rebuke of foreign interference during a speech to oil workers broadcast on state television Sunday, observers noted.

“Enough already of the capital’s orders over politicians in Venezuela,” the interim leader said during an address to oil workers in Puerto La Cruz, according to the state-run channel Venezolana de Televisión.

“Let Venezuelan politics resolve our differences and our internal conflicts,” she continued. “This Republic has paid a very high price for having to confront the consequences of fascism and extremism in our country.”

The defiant rhetoric reportedly raises questions about how far the acting leader is willing—or able—to push back against foreign powers. While the government has long used anti-foreign language to rally domestic support, analysts note, the comments come as the nation remains heavily constrained by international sanctions and dependent on external decisions over oil licenses.

According to sources familiar with the situation, after capturing the former strongman leader, the current administration made clear it had allowed the interim president to stay in power because it believed the capital had significant influence over her decision-making.

The head of state had previously stated his country would “run” the oil-rich nation before backing the current interim leader. Officials report the leader spoke with the acting president recently by phone and earlier this month met with opposition figure Maria Corina Machado.

“We obviously have maximum leverage over the interim authorities right now,” the executive residence’s press secretary told reporters January 7th, according to official transcripts.

Any decisions by the new government will “continue to be dictated” by external powers, she reportedly said.

Observers note it remains unclear whether the acting president has the political or economic leverage to translate her public defiance into policy, or whether the remarks are aimed primarily at a domestic audience wary of foreign influence.

The executive residence could not be reached for comment regarding the leader’s most recent statements.

Earlier Saturday, the interim president reportedly made an overture to the opposition to reach “agreements” on the nation’s political future and said there should be “no political or partisan differences when it comes to peace” in the country.

The rebuke comes as foreign powers have moved to assert control over the nation’s oil resources, long a centerpiece of the economy. In early January, sources report, an energy arrangement was announced under which the country would provide 30 million to 50 million barrels of oil at market price.

So far, at least one sale of crude valued at around $500 million has been completed, according to industry sources, and more transactions are expected as part of the broader agreement.

The country’s legislature recently approved an initial vote to loosen state control over vast oil reserves, a move that would represent the first major overhaul of the industry since the former leader nationalized large swaths in 2007. The legislation, which observers say appears aimed at appeasing foreign governments, would make room for private companies to invest in the oil industry.

Some supporters of the decision to remove the former strongman have been left questioning the choice to leave the current leader in power for an undisclosed period, according to political analysts.

After meeting with foreign officials earlier this month, opposition leader Machado said she believed the goal was to hold new elections after a transition period, but did not specify the timeline.

In what seemed a cautionary warning, Machado called the acting president “a communist” and “the main ally and representation” of rival foreign powers, while arguing that the interim leader “does not represent the people” or the armed forces.

The foreign head of state told reporters in the past week the acting president had “shown very strong leadership so far” and “had done a very good job,” according to official statements.