The International Monetary Fund (IMF) and the World Bank have announced the resumption of official relations and cooperation with Venezuela after a seven-year hiatus. This decision comes amid changes in the country’s political leadership and a reassessment of global financial institutions’ stance on the legitimacy of the Venezuelan government.
This is reported by Finway
Reasons for Resuming Cooperation
Venezuela’s relations with the IMF and World Bank were frozen in 2019 due to a political crisis. At that time, the IMF recognized the opposition as the official authority of the country, which led to the cessation of active cooperation. However, the IMF recently conducted consultations among its member countries regarding whether they consider Delcy Rodriguez, who is acting as the President of Venezuela, a legitimate leader of the state.
“Given the opinion of the majority of the International Monetary Fund members,.. Managing Director Kristalina Georgieva announced today that the IMF is now cooperating with the government of Venezuela led by acting President Delcy Rodriguez,” the IMF statement reads.
Details of Financial Institutions’ Interaction with Venezuela
The World Bank also confirmed that it is renewing cooperation with the government of Venezuela, currently headed by Delcy Rodriguez. Venezuela has been a member of the World Bank since 1946, but the last loan from this organization was received back in 2005.
It is worth noting that in early January 2026, Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro was detained during a special operation by the U.S. Army. According to the country’s constitution, in the absence or incapacity of the head of state, his duties are assigned to the vice president. On January 6, Delcy Rodriguez officially took the oath of office as acting President of Venezuela.