‘It’s not enough’: Venezuela increases salary to R$1,200 and divides opinions

Interim president of Venezuela sanctions amnesty law The interim president of Venezuela, Delcy Rodríguez, announced on Thursday (30) a 26% increase in the so-called full minimum income, which went from US$190 (around R$950) to US$240 (around R$1,200) per month. ✅ Follow the g1 international news channel on WhatsApp The readjustment is the first since the fall of Nicolás Maduro and was received with a mixture of satisfaction and criticism by Venezuelans. The “increase” did not actually raise the minimum wage. This is because the so-called “minimum income” does not just correspond to the base salary: it is made up of an official minimum wage of around US$0.30 (approximately R$1.50), plus bonuses paid by the government. These bonuses are not considered a formal salary and, therefore, are not included in the calculation of labor rights, such as vacation, retirement or thirteenth. In practice, the government injects more money through these bonuses to improve the income of workers who receive the lowest minimum wage in the region, frozen four years ago and eroded by high and persistent inflation. “The first announcement I want to make is that the full minimum income will reach the equivalent of US$240,” declared Rodríguez, without giving further details. “I must emphasize that this is the most significant increase in recent years,” he said, speaking on a platform set up on the main avenue of Caracas. Rodríguez had already promised a “responsible” salary increase at the beginning of April, after a series of demonstrations by workers demanding an increase. The announcement was received with applause and shouts of celebration among thousands of Chavismo supporters gathered in Caracas, at the end of a march demanding the end of sanctions against the country. Still, the new value is far from the US$677 (around R$3,385) that, according to private estimates, is needed to cover the basic food basket for a family of five. READ ALSO Trump says he is not satisfied with the peace agreement proposed by Iran to end the war How the Supreme Court’s decision could reduce the representation of blacks and Latinos in the US Pope Leo dissatisfaction: “It’s just enough to survive, it’s not enough for much,” said one person. “I have hope, but that’s not enough,” said another. “It’s not enough, but for now it covers the basics.” “For now, it works.” Earlier, among the participants in the march called by Rodríguez, the speech was one of caution. “Little by little, the problems are being resolved, and we need to understand the current situation. Many want exorbitant increases”, said government-aligned protesters. On the other hand, organized groups demand more immediate responses. The Labor Coalition, a broad popular organization, had called for a march to the government headquarters to demand labor rights, but the protesters were prevented from advancing. According to the group’s leader, José Patines, armed police surrounded the starting point. “They didn’t allow us to protest for a basic right, which is a decent wage. How much does a basic food basket cost? That should be the minimum wage: US$1,500 (around R$7,500). If they can’t pay, that’s their problem. Let’s call elections and resolve this,” he said. The protesters were unable to reach their destination, as Caracas woke up with several street closures ordered by the authorities, which paralyzed traffic in the capital. VIDEOS: most watched on g1

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