Venezuela's government increased the minimum wage to half a petro, or about $28.9, after an economic improvement in 2021. With the food bonus, the total minimum income is now $39.3. Economists like Ángel Alvarado from the Observatorio Venezolano de Finanzas suggest the minimum wage is not a reference point, as the private sector pays significantly more. Citizens express concerns that price increases will follow the wage hike. The basic basket for a family of five costs $365, making the new minimum wage insufficient. Some suggest anchoring wages to the dollar instead of the petro. The recent removal of fuel subsidies has also sparked debate on the adequacy of wages in Venezuela.

The UN Fact-Finding Mission on Venezuela urges that the human rights situation in the country not become a 'forgotten crisis.' Established by the UN Human Rights Council in September 2019, the mission has had its mandate renewed once and has presented two reports indicating human rights violations and international crimes. Marta Valiñas, head of the mission, emphasized the need for a joint effort to combat impunity and ensure justice. The mission's third report is due in September, and its mandate may be extended. Patricia Tappatá Valdez highlighted the severity of Venezuela's institutional, political, and humanitarian crisis. Francisco Cox Vial expressed concern over becoming complacent about the situation. Venezuela, currently a member of the UN Human Rights Council, has participated in the council's sessions, with President Nicolás Maduro affirming his government's commitment to human rights.

The Economist's Democracy Index reported a decline in global democracy in 2021, with Latin America experiencing the most significant impact, attributed to a weakening political culture and the global health situation. Nicaragua, Venezuela, and Cuba were categorized as 'authoritarian' governments. The global score dropped from 5.37 to 5.28, marking the largest decline since 2010. Less than half of the world's population lives in a democracy, and only 6.4% in a 'full democracy.' Latin America's score has fallen for six consecutive years. The decline is linked to dissatisfaction with pandemic management and skepticism about government problem-solving. Populist leaders like Bolsonaro, López Obrador, and Bukele are seen as contributing to the decline. The report also notes the polarized elections in Peru and Chile. Uruguay and Costa Rica are the only 'full democracies' in the region, while Cuba, Venezuela, and Nicaragua are among the most corrupt according to Transparency International. Despite challenges, positive developments include Honduras's election of its first female president and improvements in Uruguay and the Dominican Republic. The article anticipates important elections in Colombia and Brazil in 2022 and suggests that pandemic management and vaccination could influence democratic support and government trust.

Amnesty International, in collaboration with Venezuelan NGOs Foro Penal and Centro para los Defensores y la Justicia, released a report titled 'Calculated Repression' highlighting a correlation between derogatory comments by Venezuelan officials and political detentions. The report shows an increasing trend in this correlation from 29% in 2019 to 77% in the first half of 2021. Erika Guevara-Rosas, AI's Americas director, emphasizes the importance of this statistical analysis for international bodies, including the International Criminal Court, to investigate crimes against humanity. The report also examines the role of security forces and media outlets in the stigmatization process. AI calls for international mechanisms to protect human rights defenders and journalists in Venezuela. The Venezuelan government has not yet commented on the report's findings.

The Venezuelan government announced measures to stimulate the country's struggling bank credit, including a reduction of the legal reserve from 85% to 73% and allowing banks to use 10% of their foreign currency deposits for loans in the national currency. Economists welcome the change but argue it's insufficient, noting that bank credit represents less than 1% of GDP. They suggest that legal restrictions on lending in foreign currencies and economic contraction have limited credit availability. The government expresses optimism for economic growth, while experts call for further reduction of the legal reserve and caution in evaluating the impact of these measures.

In 2021, the private sector in Venezuela saw a wage increase, with the average salary in foreign currency reaching $89.2, according to a study by the Observatorio Venezolano de Finanzas and Anova. Despite this increase, wages remain insufficient, with the average not covering 25% of the basic basket cost of $370. The public sector's wages are significantly lower, highlighting the absolute precarization of employee remuneration. The Central Bank of Venezuela has not provided wage index data since 2013, and the last minimum wage increase was in May 2021 to just over $2.

The National Electoral Council (CNE) of Venezuela has accepted requests for a potential recall referendum of President Nicolás Maduro. The Venezuelan Constitution allows for the recall of elected officials as a form of political participation. To activate a recall, 20% of registered voters must request it, and to revoke a mandate, an equal or greater number of voters than those who elected the official must vote in favor. Maduro's second term began on January 10, 2019, and the opposition claims the period for recall activation started this past January. The CNE has given a 12-hour deadline to collect the necessary signatures, which has been questioned by the promoters. The opposition, led by Juan Guaidó, seeks free and fair elections but doubts the conditions for a recall. Political scientist Jonathan Benavides views the recall as a viable solution to the political crisis, potentially unifying opposition forces.

Venezuela has theoretically exited a 51-month cycle of hyperinflation, one of the longest in modern history, according to the latest data from the Central Bank of Venezuela (BCV). Despite the official figures showing a decrease in inflation, citizens and experts suggest the economic crisis persists. The BCV reported a 7.6% inflation rate for December, with the last price variation above 50% occurring in December 2020. Economists emphasize that a monthly inflation rate below 50% for 12 consecutive months is required to exit hyperinflation, but also note that the annual inflation rate must not exceed 600%, a threshold Venezuela surpassed in 2021. The de facto dollarization since 2018 is credited with some economic improvements, but issues like insufficient minimum wages and structural problems remain. Independent records and the opposition-aligned Venezuelan Finance Observatory (OVF) confirm the trend of deceleration, but Venezuela is still technically in hyperinflation, with the official exit expected in the first quarter of 2022.

Venezuela ended 2021 with an estimated 11,081 violent deaths, a rate of 40.9 per 100,000 inhabitants, according to the Venezuelan Observatory of Violence (OVV). The annual report showed a decrease in violent deaths compared to previous years. The majority of cases were deaths under investigation, followed by homicides and deaths classified as 'resistance to authority.' The OVV also included disappearances due to a significant increase. Despite the reduction in violent deaths, the quality of life has worsened, and crime opportunities have decreased. However, the use of different currencies and dolarization has opened small niches for crime. The OVV noted an offensive by organized crime challenging the government's monopoly on force. The most violent region was the Capital District. Venezuela is considered one of the most violent countries in Latin America, alongside Honduras.

Venezuelan activists emphasize the critical role of international support for people with HIV in Venezuela, highlighting the country's reliance on aid to meet healthcare needs. The situation was discussed in a virtual meeting titled 'HIV in Venezuela: Between the Humanitarian Emergency and the Pandemic,' organized by the Humanitarian Social Observatory. Alberto Nieves from Acción Ciudadana contra el Sida (ACCSI) and Eduardo Franco from the Red Venezolana de Gente Positiva (RVG+) detailed the decline in antiretroviral treatment availability since 2009 and the importance of a $17 million grant from the Global Fund for AIDS, Tuberculosis and Malaria. Coverage increased from 16% in 2018 to 56.66% in 2020, but activists call for more funds and a renewed dialogue between the government and civil society to improve the quality of life for those with HIV. A recent agreement between the Venezuelan Ombudsman's Office and UNAIDS Venezuela aims to work on human rights defense for the remainder of the year.

La Corte Penal Internacional (CPI) ha avanzado de un examen preliminar a una fase de investigación sobre presuntos crímenes de lesa humanidad en Venezuela desde abril de 2017. El fiscal jefe de la CPI, Karim Khan, y el gobierno de Nicolás Maduro firmaron un memorando de entendimiento que permite a la Fiscalía publicar citaciones y entrevistar víctimas. Aunque Maduro no está de acuerdo con la decisión, respeta el proceso. Expertos como Ali Daniels de Acceso a la Justicia y Omar Piñango de Defiende Venezuela expresaron sorpresa por la rapidez de la decisión y consideran que es un paso significativo para las víctimas. La investigación se centrará en individuos del gobierno y fuerzas de seguridad y podría incluir a Maduro dependiendo de la evidencia. El proceso de investigación puede ser largo, y el fiscal general venezolano, Tarek William Saab, ha expresado su compromiso con la justicia y la cooperación con la CPI.

Despite reports from financial intelligence firm Grupo EMFI and investment bank Credit Suisse predicting economic growth in Venezuela, citizens like José Gregorio Brito and Dulce María Zabala remain skeptical, not seeing improvements in their daily lives. Economists consulted by VOA consider the growth scenarios overly optimistic, noting the economy's significant reduction in size since 2013. Economist Aldo Contreras points out that any real growth is only in comparison to the previous pandemic year, and Alejandro Grisanti of Ecoanalítica emphasizes the deep declines over the last seven years. President Nicolás Maduro claims the economy has made its first real growth step, contrasting with the IMF's report of an expected economic contraction. Financial analyst Henkel García acknowledges growth but attributes it to a comparison with the previous year's poor performance. Grisanti believes a significant economic change in Venezuela depends on a political status quo shift.

Despite Venezuela's economic, political, and social crisis, which has led to over five million Venezuelans migrating, some migrants who previously settled in Venezuela have chosen to stay. The UNHCR reports the number of Venezuelan migrants and refugees could reach seven million next year. The article shares personal stories of migrants from Colombia, Spain, Argentina, and Lebanon who have made Venezuela their home, discussing their experiences, cultural integration, and reasons for not returning to their countries of origin despite the challenges faced in Venezuela.

A U.S. court ruled on October 16 that Pdvsa 2020 bonds are 'valid and enforceable' despite the Venezuelan interim government's claim that the bond issuance was fraudulent as it was not approved by the Parliament. The ruling by Judge Katherine Failla did not consider the National Assembly's resolutions questioning the bonds' legitimacy as invalidating them. The interim government, led by Juan Guaidó, criticized the decision and is considering an appeal. The case is significant for investors, including Wall Street and institutional funds. The U.S. Treasury Department has issued a license limiting bondholders' ability to claim CITGO shares as collateral, with the latest extension expiring on January 19, 2021. Experts believe that negotiations with bondholders are crucial and that a democratic transition is necessary for an organized debt restructuring.

Six former CITGO executives have been detained in Venezuela for over two years and are now missing after being taken from house arrest by SEBIN without explanation. Their families and lawyers accuse the government of Nicolás Maduro of 'forced disappearance.' The executives, including Tomeu Vadell, were scheduled for a trial that has been postponed. U.S. officials and the families believe they are held at the Helicoide jail. The U.S. government has expressed support for their release, considering it a top priority. Legal petitions have been submitted to the Organization of American States, and complaints have been filed with Venezuelan authorities. The trial has been rescheduled for March 18.

Venezuela is recovering from a major blackout that affected 19 of its 23 states, exacerbating the country's severe social and economic crisis. The outage, which left the capital with deserted streets and closed businesses, was attributed by authorities to an 'electromagnetic attack' on the main hydroelectric plant. Power has been restored in Caracas and several states, with efforts ongoing to restore it elsewhere. The disputed government of Nicolás Maduro described the incident as an 'electromagnetic attack,' while opposition leader Juan Guaidó criticized the government's handling of the electrical system. The blackout caused a 94% loss of internet connectivity, according to NetBlocks. The national electricity company Corpoelec has not provided details on the cause or extent of the outage.

Twenty years after Hugo Chávez's election, Venezuelan youth reflect on the legacy of Chavismo, which has been characterized by political polarization, social destabilization, and a period of oil boom. Chávez's tenure lasted until his death in 2013, succeeded by Nicolás Maduro. Venezuela now faces severe inflation, shortages of food, medicine, and jobs, and a redefinition of governmental institutions that has increased government power and marginalized opposition groups. The PSUV's governance is linked to the current crisis by experts and international organizations. Voice of America spoke with 20 young Venezuelans who have lived their entire lives under single-party rule to understand their experiences and perspectives on their country's future.

Venezuela introduced a new currency called the 'sovereign bolivar' to combat hyperinflation, effectively removing five zeros from the old currency. The transition caused Venezuelans to rush to stores over the weekend to purchase goods before the change. Many shops remained closed on Monday due to a national holiday, which was intended to facilitate the introduction of the new currency. The International Monetary Fund predicts that inflation in Venezuela could reach 1 million percent by the end of the year. President Nicolas Maduro also announced a significant increase in the minimum wage and changes to the tax system, with both the new currency and wage being tied to the petro, a government-introduced cryptocurrency.

Venezuela, amidst hyperinflation and economic challenges, is becoming a hub for cryptocurrency adoption, with Dash leading the way. Dash Caracas founder Eugenia Alcalá has created a community that supports microtransactions and overcomes economic barriers. The country hosts numerous businesses and organizations that accept Dash, making it a world leader in digital currency acceptance. The article highlights various individuals and entities that have embraced Dash, from entrepreneurs to civil organizations, and notes the growing interest in cryptocurrency education and potential for further adoption in Venezuela.

Neomar Lander, a 17-year-old, was one of 20 minors killed during the 2017 protests in Venezuela, and a year after his death, no one has been held responsible. His case is under preliminary examination by the International Criminal Court's Prosecutor's Office. The government initially claimed Lander died activating a homemade explosive, but opposition politicians and an investigation by Runrun.es suggest he was killed by a tear gas canister shot by police. The case remains in the preparatory phase of the criminal process, with no significant progress. Lander's mother, Zugeimar Armas, continues to seek justice and honor her son's memory by advocating for change in Venezuela.

Laureano Márquez reflects on the resilience of honesty in Venezuela amidst widespread corruption and the emigration of talented professionals. He discusses the irony of the government criticizing the United States while simultaneously losing Venezuela's best minds to it. Márquez proposes the idea of a 'Queue University' to educate people during their daily waits and emphasizes the importance of sharing culture and intelligence to improve democracy. He shares an anecdote of a father who encourages his son to earn money honorably, highlighting the silent individuals who maintain integrity as the guardians of hope for a better Venezuela.

The article provides a detailed historical account of Jaime Lusinchi's life, from his humble beginnings to his presidency in Venezuela. It covers his early life, political activism, medical career, and his involvement with the political party Acción Democrática. The article also touches on his presidential campaign and the diplomatic stance he took regarding Venezuela's territorial waters, particularly in relation to Colombia. Lusinchi's political journey is framed within the broader context of Venezuelan political history, including his relationships with other prominent figures such as Rómulo Betancourt, Carlos Andrés Pérez, Luis Piñerúa Ordaz, and Rafael Caldera.

The article discusses the Venezuelan government's approach to poverty, highlighting a confession by Education Minister Héctor Rodríguez that the government's social policies are not aimed at moving people into the middle class but rather maintaining their support for the socialist revolution. The article recounts a past incident involving former PDVSA president Guacaipuro Lameda and Planning Minister Jorge Giordani, where Giordani expressed that the revolution's goal was to change cultural thinking, which could take at least three generations, implying that the poor would remain poor during this period. The article suggests that this strategy is still in place, as evidenced by recent statements from Vice President Arreaza, and criticizes the government's stance towards the youth and students, exemplified by a student's response to Minister Rodríguez's comments.