Furore grows as Venezuela defends US oil deal with Trump
Venezuelan hardliners and opposition forces alike criticised acting president Delcy Rodriguez for agreeing to grant the US exclusive access to the country’s valuable oil resources. She may be betting that the deal with US President Donald Trump is her ticket to a tighter grip on power. One potential advantage for Rodriguez is if the deal to give the US majority control over 65 billion barrels of…
Venezuelan acting President Delcy Rodriguez is facing criticism from both hardliners and opposition forces after agreeing to grant the US exclusive access to the country's oil resources. The deal, which would give the US majority control over 65 billion barrels of Venezuelan crude, has been viewed as a potential ticket to greater power for Rodriguez.
However, opposition leader Maria Corina Machado, who was not involved in the negotiations, has already accused her of betraying Chavismo's principles. Rodriguez defended the agreement in televised comments, claiming it would bring prosperity and jobs to Venezuela. The deal is expected to generate around US$19 in profit per barrel of oil produced.
However, some analysts argue that the lack of transparency surrounding Venezuela's oil policy is alarming. Former left-wing lawmaker Willian Rodriguez invoked Hugo Chavez's quote, saying the oil is Venezuela's and giving away the homeland would renounce their national destiny.
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