Venezuela's Maduro prepares major shakeup at PDVSA

By Al Mayadeen English
Source: Agencies
27 Aug 2024 20:38

These changes are expected to include replacing PDVSA's current chief executive, Pedro Tellechea, with the company's vice president, Hector Obregon, and appointing a new oil minister.

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Units of El Palito refinery near Puerto Cabello, Venezuela, Monday, January 29, 202. (AP)

Reuters reported on Tuesday that Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro is preparing to announce significant executive changes at the state-owned oil company PDVSA and the oil ministry.

These changes are expected to include replacing PDVSA's current chief executive, Pedro Tellechea, with the company's vice president, Hector Obregon, and appointing a new oil minister.

Pedro Tellechea, who took over as head of PDVSA in January 2023 and later assumed the role of oil minister following the resignation of Tareck El Aissami, is reportedly under review.

An audit of Tellechea's tenure is underway, with reports being prepared on his achievements and accountability.

The review is part of a broader effort by the Venezuelan government to address issues within the state-owned oil company, which has been financially troubled for some time.

This situation unfolds against the backdrop of a politically charged environment, heavily influenced by foreign powers aiming to undermine President Maduro's leadership.

Following the presidential election in late July 2024, which the National Electoral Council declared Maduro won, these foreign entities and opposition forces have been intensifying their efforts to challenge his legitimacy. They have propagated allegations of electoral fraud and asserted that their preferred candidate, Edmundo Gonzalez, was the rightful winner.

These external influences have exacerbated Venezuela's political instability. The accusations of voter suppression and manipulation are seen as part of a broader strategy by foreign actors to destabilize the country and delegitimize Maduro's government.

There have also been reports of forced resignations among public sector employees, including those at PDVSA, allegedly pressured by these foreign-backed groups due to their political affiliations.

The executive changes at PDVSA are viewed as Maduro's strategic move to safeguard Venezuela's sovereignty amidst ongoing foreign interference and economic hardships.