International Monetary Fund (IMF) Managing Director Kristalina Georgieva in Washington, April 16, 2026. JOSE LUIS MAGANA / AP
The IMF and World Bank said on Thursday, April 16, that they are restoring relations with Venezuela, further legitimizing the interim government and opening new doors to financial support.
"Guided by the views of International Monetary Fund members representing a majority of the IMF's total voting power, and consistent with long-standing practice, the Managing Director Kristalina Georgieva today announced that the IMF is now dealing with the Government of Venezuela, under the administration of acting President Delcy Rodriguez," it said in a statement.
In recent days, the Fund polled its members on whether they saw Rodriguez as the legitimate leader of Venezuela. The World Bank quickly followed the Fund in recognizing the Rodriguez government, saying in a statement, "Guided by the outcome of the IMF's polling process, the World Bank Group today announced that it is resuming dealings with the Government of Venezuela, under the administration of acting President Delcy Rodríguez."
Recognition of the Rodriguez government by both institutions paves the way for them to formally begin economic data-gathering, provide technical advice, and to potentially offer financial support to the government, if Venezuela were to ask for it. Relations between the financial institutions and Venezuela broke down in March 2019 when the Fund recognized the country's opposition – which controlled parliament – as the legitimate government of the South American country.
