A brief but unexpected exchange between Telemundo 51 anchor Fausto Malavé and Venezuelan Interim President Delcy Rodríguez at the United Nations is generating attention in South Florida and Venezuela.
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Malavé became the only journalist to get close enough to Rodríguez following her speech at the United Nations, where she pledged that elections would be held in Venezuela.
Approaching the Venezuelan leader after her address, Malavé asked if she had anything to add following her remarks.
Rodríguez replied in Spanish with a chuckle, telling him that those in attendance had already heard her message.
Malavé then followed up with the question many Venezuelans have been asking: when the promised elections would actually take place.
Rodríguez did not provide a direct answer.
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Shortly afterward, Malavé was escorted out of the United Nations, and his credentials were taken away.
During her speech, Rodríguez said elections would be held in Venezuela but did not announce a specific date, saying instead that the Venezuelan people would determine the appropriate time.
She also thanked President Donald Trump for what she described as his willingness to reestablish diplomatic relations and cooperation with Venezuela.
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At the same time, Rodríguez emphasized that Venezuela wants to “breathe freely” and exercise its rights as a sovereign nation.
The interim president also called for an orderly judicial reform process that would include all political groups in the country. She highlighted the recently announced oil agreement with the United States, saying it would contribute to the energy balance of the Western Hemisphere and the international economy.
Rodríguez’s speech quickly became a top headline in Venezuelan media, prompting reactions from residents across the country.
One Venezuelan interviewed following the address said people are eager for political change.
The man argued that previous elections had been stolen and said Venezuelans are seeking free and fair elections.
Despite Rodríguez’s promises, skepticism remains widespread among many Venezuelans who have watched years of political turmoil and disputed elections unfold in the country.
Rodríguez previously served as vice president under Nicolás Maduro, who is currently being held in an American jail while facing narco-terrorism charges.
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