Venezuela reported it encountered severe economic challenges in early 2024, with losses exceeding $2 billion.
These setbacks stem from the US reinstating sanctions on the oil sector. President Nicolás Maduro disclosed these figures after discussions with oil industry personnel.
From the stately Miraflores Palace, Maduro unveiled the sanctions’ deep financial repercussions.
“From these developments alone, our revenue diminished by more than $2 billion,” he confirmed.
The sanctions targeted PDVSA, the nation’s oil giant, influenced by what he called right-wing factions in the US.
Despite these hurdles, Maduro remained optimistic. “We are navigating these challenges successfully, determined to persevere,” he asserted.
On International Workers’ Day, he introduced a fresh economic strategy. This vision promises a diverse, robust economy, independent of international pressures.
He also boosted the minimum wage by 86%, now at $130 monthly. This increase is part of broader labor initiatives.
On Thursday, he plans to propose new legislation for pension protection to the National Assembly.
Maduro also ratified a new law to provide housing for workers, ensuring their welfare.
In conclusion, he announced a campaign to collect signatures starting tomorrow. This effort seeks to overturn sanctions dating back to 2015, intensified by the Trump era in 2019.
Venezuela’s actions under Maduro highlight its quest for sovereignty and economic stability amid global pressures.
The narrative highlights how global politics affect economies and a nation’s resilience. Venezuela’s crisis impacts its short-term finances and long-term development.
Background
A year ago, Venezuela’s Executive Vice President, Delcy Rodríguez, reported that since 2015, sanctions from the U.S. and its allies have led to annual losses of $29 billion for her country.
Of these, she said that 60 percent “have been imposed by the government of the United States, which began with President Barack Obama”.
She stressed that, in total, Venezuela had lost $232 billion as a result of such measures that contradict the legal order.