How Venezuelans See the Esequibo Campaign
In the slums of Caracas and in towns closer to the border with Guyana, people remain focused on their many other problems, and see the chauvinistic campaign as a bad thing
El Feed
Oil Flush and Broken Schools
The Venezuelan government is increasing its spending by almost 40% in 2024 and seeking more oil projects. Meanwhile, schoolchildren are staying home.
Oil Flush and Broken Schools
The Venezuelan government expects its oil revenue to increase 27% in 2024 according to an unpublished annual budget proposal seen by Reuters. Spending is expected to be $20.5 billion: an increase of 39% compared to 2023.
Revenue from oil exports and taxes paid by PDVSA would cover 58% of total government spending, equivalent to about $11.9 billion, according to the document. PDVSA’s contributions this year were $9,340 million.
Meanwhile, also according to Reuters, Venezuela is hoping that BP, Chevron and Shell revive the Plataforma Deltana: an offshore project of 8 trillion cubic feet of gas reserves in the maritime border with the area disputed with Guyana.
Of course, things aren’t as bright for the people on the ground: according to the Red de Observadores Escolares, there were 3.89 school days per week on average in Venezuela between January and July 2023. 22.3% of the school calendar was lost in the first semester of the year. 30.3% of schools stop school activities due to failures in the water supply.
The New Era of Thought Crimes in Venezuela
Maduro is using the Esequibo crisis to charge with the very vague crime of high treason Maria Corina Machado and her party, and anyone else who gets in the way
Venezuelan NGOs Need (And Want) to Improve Their Performance and Management
A survey reveals Venezuelans NGOs grapple with organizational and financial challenges to sustain its operations, deepen its professionalization and gap geographic inequalities. But with the necessary backing and coordination, the social industry can strengthen itself and widen its impact
The Esequibo Referendum Reveals a Regime Unable to Compete Electorally
Sunday’s low turnout and messy numbers reveal that Chavismo’s electoral machinery is more rusty than expected. Will the regime replace Maduro, and seek legitimacy, or bet for a Nicaraguazo in 2024?
Madurismo’s Electoral Dilemma
While the regime could contemplate a sham transition, led by another Chavista or a friendly “opposition” figure, Maduro is not willing to transfer the presidency. But a Nicaragua-like strategy could end up bursting its regime’s tensions
Special Economic Zones in Venezuela: from Euphoria to Delusion
The Maduro government is seeking foreign investment through new Special Economic Zones. Venezuela’s structural problems and tax inferno could screw up the plan
Comments
Related
