Hot weather, energy woes lead Venezuela to take a week off

Venezuela’s interim president, Delcy Rodriguez speaks alongside US Interior Secretary Doug Burgum (out of frame), after their meeting at the Miraflores Presidential Palace in Caracas on March 4, 2026. (Photo: AFP)

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March 26, 2026

Hot weather, energy woes lead Venezuela to take a week off

CARACAS, Venezuela (AFP) — Venezuela’s interim president Delcy Rodriguez has declared a week off for public-sector workers as hot weather exacerbates the country’s energy shortages.

The South American nation has rationed power frequently over the years, and has shortened workdays and suspended school to save energy during Easter.

“During this Holy Week, I want to announce that I have decreed days off on Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday and Friday for the entire education sector,” Rodriguez said.

“The ministries” should also take time off as “part of the electric power saving plan”, she added, saying Venezuela had faced “45 days of high temperatures”.

Essential services will not be affected.

Rodriguez has led Venezuela after Nicolas Maduro was seized by the US military on January 3.