The Venezuelan government under President Nicolás Maduro has managed to curb hyperinflation, with annual inflation falling to around 50% in the last year. However, workers complain that their salaries have not kept up with the high prices of food and other goods, leading to financial struggles for many. This frustration, combined with years of economic hardship, could impact support for Maduro in the upcoming elections on Sunday.
Opposition coalition candidate Edmundo González has promised to improve salaries and continue efforts to curb inflation by working with businesses, workers, and the government. Despite the government’s efforts to reduce inflation, many Venezuelans are still feeling the impact of high prices and stagnant salaries.
Some workers, like retired public sector employee Oscar Reyes and administrator Carmen Morales, are struggling to make ends meet with their low incomes. Morales, who earns $250 per month, has seen her food expenses double in a few months. Analysts also point out that even if inflation decreases, the gap between incomes and expenses remains a major challenge for many Venezuelans.
The government’s economic policies, including limiting credit and holding the exchange rate steady, have had some success in reducing inflation. However, critics argue that these measures may not be sustainable in the long term. Private sector salaries tend to be higher than in the public sector, and business owners have called for revisions to fiscal and tax policies to boost production and increase wages.
Overall, there is a sense of discontent among many Venezuelans who feel that the economic improvements promised by the government have not translated into tangible benefits for them. As the country prepares for the upcoming elections, the economic challenges facing ordinary citizens are likely to be a key factor in determining the outcome.
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