Venezuela's interim president, Delcy Rodriguez, on Wednesday promised a hike in wages, which have been eroded by years of inflation and economic collapse.
The minimum hourly wage in Venezuela is currently equivalent to 27 US cents, with annual inflation exceeding 600 percent.
For ordinary Venezuelans, monthly wages can reach $150 with state-provided bonuses, but that's hardly enough to cover a family's basic food needs, estimated at $645.
"I announce that on May 1st, we will implement an increase, and that this increase, as we have indicated, will be a responsible one," Rodríguez said in a televised address, without providing more details.
The interim president, in power since the US capture of Nicolas Maduro on January 3, declared that past economic "mistakes" must be "corrected."
She is governing under pressure from US President Donald Trump, who has stated that he is in charge of the country and the sale of its oil.
Unions and workers complain about "poverty wages" that have been frozen for years. Several groups have called for a demonstration in Caracas on Thursday to reiterate their demands.
The ceasefire deal between the US and Iran and their agreement to hold talks in Pakistan is a welcome step, after weeks of fighting brought the entire region to the precipice. The past few weeks were unprecedented in the region’s history with Iran launching attacks on the Gulf Cooperation Council countries and disrupting the crucial waterway.
For its part, the State of Qatar has always championed diplomacy and peaceful means to resolve disputes and conflicts. Qatar welcomed the ceasefire announcement and termed it an initial step towards de-escalation, and stressing the need to build on it urgently to prevent the spread of tension in the region. Other regional countries, including Saudi Arabia and Oman, also welcomed the ceasefire agreement and commended the mediation efforts by Pakistan for regional stability and peace.
With officials from the US and Iran expected to meet in Islamabad to find a permanent solution to the conflict, it is extremely important that Iran cease all hostilities against the regional countries forthwith and respect their sovereignty.
It is also crucial that maritime traffic through the Strait of Hormuz is fully restored and protected in accordance with the rules of the international law. Security of maritime routes and the freedom of navigation and international trade will help address the disruption to global trade, especially energy and related products, caused by this war.
One concerning aspect is Israel’s continued attacks on Lebanon despite the ceasefire announcement.
In fact, Israeli attacks on Lebanon the morning after ceasefire were one of the most violent with more than a hundred people killed hundreds injured yesterday.
Qatar condemned the brutal Israeli strikes on Lebanon, calling them a dangerous escalation and a flagrant violation of Lebanon’s sovereignty, the rules of international humanitarian law, and United Nations Security Council Resolution (1701).
