Venezuela’s interim president, Delcy Rodriguez, has appointed a new top economic official, Calixto Ortega Sanchez, a former central bank director. The move comes after Rodriguez was sworn in as caretaker president following the removal of Nicolas Maduro. Sanchez, who led the central bank from 2018 to 2025 and has a background in the oil industry, will take over the economic portfolio previously held by Rodriguez.
Rodriguez, who served as vice president and oversaw the country’s hydrocarbons sector under Maduro, announced the appointment on state TV. She expressed hopes to “consolidate” last year’s economic growth, citing a 6.5% growth projection for 2025 by the ECLAC regional economic commission.
Venezuela’s economic outlook remains complex, with a depreciating local currency and concerns about hyperinflation. However, Rodriguez is credited with helping the country recover from a deep economic crisis by introducing exchange control reforms and allowing dollarization of the economy.
The new administration is operating under the scrutiny of US President Donald Trump, who has stated his intention to work with Rodriguez if she cooperates and has expressed interest in accessing Venezuela’s oil resources. As vice president since 2018, Rodriguez has played a key role in shaping the country’s economic policies.
The appointment of Sanchez is the first cabinet change since Rodriguez took office, following a US military strike that led to Maduro’s removal and extradition to the United States to face trial. The development is significant, given the country’s strategic importance in the region and its rich oil reserves.
As the new administration navigates the country’s economic challenges, it will be crucial to balance the need for stability and growth with the pressure from international actors. The success of Rodriguez’s government will depend on its ability to address the complex economic issues facing Venezuela, including the currency crisis and the potential for hyperinflation. With the international community watching, the new administration’s next steps will be closely monitored.
