In a striking omission, Delcy Rodríguez addressed the 81st United Nations General Assembly without mentioning Nicolás Maduro, the former Venezuelan dictator currently detained in the United States since his capture last January.
Rodríguez, the interim president of Venezuela, delivered a speech lasting nearly 19 minutes, focusing on future reconciliation and progress. Notably, she avoided any direct reference to the legal or political status of her predecessor.
The only indirect reference to the events leading to Maduro's capture was a carefully worded statement: "In 2026, Venezuela has experienced two significant and painful trials as a nation: one stemming from the strangulation of its internal politics and heightened confrontation with the United States of America; the other from the fierceness of nature, the double earthquake of June 24."
Rather than defending the former leader or discussing his detention, Rodríguez extended her gratitude to Washington for its change in approach: "I would like to thank President Donald Trump and his administration during this 81st UN General Assembly for their willingness to restore diplomatic and cooperative relations with Venezuela."
This rhetorical shift was comprehensive. Rodríguez, who once served as foreign minister and executive vice president under Maduro, positioned herself as the architect of a new era, moving away from the confrontational discourse that has long defined Chavismo.
She also announced that the chavista regime has embarked on a "democratic transformation process," emphasizing two key components: an institutional legal reform and the commitment to hold elections, although no specific dates or timelines were provided.
"There will be elections in Venezuela. We have initiated a political dialogue with opposition sectors aimed at ensuring an equitable process for all," she stated to representatives of UN member countries.
Rodríguez further highlighted a recently signed energy agreement between Caracas and Washington, describing it as "one of the largest ever signed" and asserting that it would "contribute to the energy balance of the hemisphere and the global economy."
The interim president did not acknowledge Trump's earlier remarks from the same podium, where he labeled Maduro a "criminal and dictator."
Rodríguez encapsulated her mission with a phrase summarizing her entire speech: "I come to assume a historic responsibility moving forward, to lead Venezuela from a period of uncertainty and conflict to one of full democracy, recognized by its own people and the world."
The omission of Maduro's mention, coupled with her gratitude to Trump and election promises, is seen as a deliberate signal of distancing from the former dictator and opening up to the international community, albeit without offering concrete guarantees or verifiable timelines for the announced process.
Her address followed a meeting with Trump in New York, marking their first personal encounter since Maduro's capture, which she described as "historic."
In his own UN speech, Trump boasted about Maduro's capture and the oil agreement with Venezuela, noting that the United States would control part of Venezuela's oil reserves. Rodríguez did not address these comments in her subsequent speech.
Key Questions on Delcy Rodríguez's UN Speech
Why did Delcy Rodríguez not mention Nicolás Maduro in her UN speech?
Delcy Rodríguez chose to focus on future reconciliation and progress, deliberately omitting direct references to Nicolás Maduro's current situation, signaling a potential shift in Venezuela's international relations stance.
What was the main focus of Rodríguez's speech at the UN?
Rodríguez's speech centered on Venezuela's future, highlighting a democratic transformation process and improved diplomatic relations, notably thanking the U.S. for its renewed engagement.
What did Rodríguez say about Venezuela's political future?
She announced a commitment to democratic reforms and future elections, though she did not provide specific timelines or details on the electoral process.