Archive · 22 Jan 2026
Venezuela's oil law reform and US talks
Venezuela is changing its main oil law to allow new types of partnerships.
This is to attract more foreign investment.
The interim president, Delcy Rodriguez, will also visit the United States soon to talk with them.
She says she is not afraid to discuss their differences.
Some people in Venezuela are not happy with this because they think the government should do more to support democracy.
The last time a Venezuelan president visited the US was a long time ago.
The US wants Venezuelan oil, and the Venezuelan government wants to work with the US, but some people in Venezuela are not sure if this is a good idea.
Venezuela's top lawmaker, Jorge Rodriguez, announced a reform of the country's main oil law to introduce a partnership structure.
The reform will introduce 'productive participation contracts' to boost foreign investment in the oil sector.
Interim President Delcy Rodriguez will visit the United States soon for talks, signaling a shift in US-Venezuela relations.
Rodriguez is subject to US sanctions but has allowed the US to broker the sale of Venezuelan oil and release political prisoners.
Some hardliners in Venezuela's government oppose closer ties with the US, while democracy activists demand political prisoner releases and fresh elections.
- Who
- Venezuela's top lawmaker, Jorge Rodriguez, and interim president, Delcy Rodriguez
- What
- A reform of Venezuela's main oil law to introduce a partnership model and upcoming US talks
- When
- The reform is expected to be debated this week; US visit date not set
- Where
- Venezuela and the United States
- Why
- To boost foreign investment in the oil sector and improve diplomatic relations
Government Supporters
Democracy Activists
US Relations
Government Supporters
Engage in dialogue with the US to address differences and difficulties through diplomacy.
Democracy Activists
All political prisoners must be freed and granted amnesty, and Venezuela must hold fresh elections.
- Lawmaker
- Jorge Rodriguez
- Proposed Reform
- Partnership structure in oil law
- Current Model
- Joint ventures controlled by PDVSA
- New Model
- Productive participation contracts
- Interim President
- Delcy Rodriguez
- Purpose of Reform
- Boost foreign investment
- US Sanctions
- Asset freeze on Delcy Rodriguez
- Last Bilateral Visit
- 1990s
- Opposition Leader
- Maria Corina Machado
