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Venezuelan Acting President Delcy Rodríguez Promises Wage Increase for May 1
Venezuelan acting President Delcy Rodríguez addressed public and private sector workers on Wednesday, requesting patience amid economic challenges. She announced a wage increase effective May 1, described as responsible to avoid inflation spikes. The address preceded planned worker demonstrations in Caracas.
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CARACAS, Venezuela -- Venezuelan acting President Delcy Rodríguez addressed the nation on Wednesday via a nationally televised speech. She requested patience from public and private sector workers, noting that their wages have not covered basic necessities for an extended period. Rodríguez stated that her government is working to improve the country's economy.
Rodríguez promised a wage increase starting May 1. She did not specify the amount but indicated it would be implemented responsibly to prevent the inflationary effects seen after the previous minimum wage adjustment. Public sector workers currently earn approximately $160 per month, while the average private sector salary was about $237 last year.
27, unchanged since 2022. This amount falls below the United Nations' extreme poverty threshold of $3 per day. The International Monetary Fund estimates Venezuela's inflation rate at 682%, the highest among countries for which it has data.
Venezuela's central bank released inflation figures last month for the first time since November 2024. The annual inflation rate for 2025 reached 475%, up from 48% the previous year. Independent economists estimate that a family's basic basket of goods now costs more than $500 per month, exceeding what many workers can afford.
The address occurred one day before planned worker demonstrations in Caracas demanding wage increases. Rodríguez emphasized that economic changes will require time and urged workers and employers to collaborate with the government for sustained recovery. She highlighted the need for prudence and optimism in addressing the crisis.
U.S. capture of former President Nicolás Maduro in January. 7 million people to emigrate from Venezuela. U.S. administration under President Trump has engaged with Rodríguez rather than the political opposition after Maduro's removal.
U.S. plan to resolve Venezuela's crisis. This includes promoting the country to international investors and opening the energy sector to private capital and international arbitration. These efforts aim to stabilize the economy and support future wage improvements as resources become available.
