Venezuelan government meets IMF, launches AI ministry as opposition protests for elections

Venezuelan officials met with International Monetary Fund chief Kristalina Georgieva in Washington on 30 May, describing the talks as “productive”. The delegation, led by Vice‑President for Economic Affairs Calixto Ortega and Central Bank President Luis Pérez, discussed technical assistance and the possibility of recovering funds held abroad, signalling a new phase of “stability, growth and openness” after years of sanctions.

In parallel, Acting President Delcy Rodríguez announced the creation of a Vice‑Ministry of Artificial Intelligence and Efficiency, unveiling a data‑center for the oil sector that will use AI to improve production and maintenance. The move follows a July memorandum with China’s iFlytek and a domestic policy draft on AI ethics.

Opposition figures rallied in Maracaibo, with more than a thousand demonstrators demanding free presidential elections and the release of political prisoners. Leaders such as former deputies Juan Pablo Guanipa and Freddy Superlano called the current government illegitimate and urged U.S. involvement in negotiations.

Economist Nelson Ford projected Venezuelan GDP growth of 7‑10 % in the second half of 2026, citing improved payments‑balance liquidity from recent U.S. OFAC licenses and expected foreign investment in oil and special economic zones. The government also highlighted achievements in communal coffee production, reporting four million quintals harvested for domestic use and export.

These developments reflect a broader push by the Venezuelan administration to restore international financial links, modernise its economy with technology, and respond to growing domestic political pressure.