PSUV leaders meet Delcy Rodríguez and avoid remarks after oil deal with the United States

Venezuela’s ruling United Socialist Party of Venezuela, or PSUV, met behind closed doors with interim President Delcy Rodríguez on Monday, Aug. 31, but avoided its customary weekly appearance before the media.

State broadcaster Venezolana de Televisión showed only institutional images of the meeting, led by Rodríguez and PSUV Secretary-General Diosdado Cabello. Iris Varela, a senior party lawmaker and one of the figures critical of closer ties with Washington, was notably absent from the official coverage.

Before the meeting, the party issued a statement giving Rodríguez its full backing over energy agreements signed with the United States. “The United Socialist Party of Venezuela, faithful to its historic commitment to national sovereignty and the well-being of the people, expresses its full support for Comrade Delcy Rodríguez, interim president of the Republic, regarding the agreements signed with the government of the United States in the energy sector,” it said.

Party leaders also reviewed plans to assist people affected by the double earthquake that struck on June 24, as well as preparations for October’s community elections. The political endorsement of the agreement, however, came as questions circulated within Chavista ranks.

On Saturday, groups linked to the ruling movement marched in central Caracas to reject the energy agreements, demand the release of Nicolás Maduro and Cilia Flores, and question how the proceeds would be used. Social media users also recirculated earlier party statements rejecting the shipment of Venezuelan crude to the United States under political pressure.

“

The United Socialist Party of Venezuela, faithful to its historic commitment to national sovereignty and the well-being of the people, expresses its full support for Comrade Delcy Rodríguez, interim president of the Republic, regarding the agreements signed with the government of the United States in the energy sector.