CARACAS, Venezuela (AP) — Venezuela’s acting President Delcy Rodríguez delivered a plea for patience to the nation’s workforce on Wednesday, acknowledging that current salaries fall far short of covering basic living expenses while her administration tackles the country’s struggling economy.
During a televised speech broadcast nationwide, Rodríguez announced plans for a salary boost beginning May 1. While she kept the specific amount under wraps, she emphasized the increase would be implemented carefully to prevent the surge in prices that occurred after the previous minimum wage adjustment.
“This increase, as we have indicated, will be a responsible increase,” Rodríguez said. “Likewise in the near future, as Venezuela enjoys more resources that allow for the sustainability of salary improvements and workers’ income, we will continue moving forward on this path.”
Government employees currently struggle to get by on approximately $160 monthly, while those in private companies earned an average of $237 last year. The nation’s minimum wage stands at 130 bolivars, equivalent to just $0.27, and hasn’t been adjusted since 2022. This amount falls dramatically short of the United Nations’ extreme poverty threshold of $3 daily.
According to International Monetary Fund data, Venezuela faces a crushing inflation rate of 682%, marking the highest figure among all tracked nations. The country’s central bank recently published inflation statistics for the first time since November 2024, revealing the annual rate jumped to 475% in 2025 from the previous year’s 48%.
These economic pressures have pushed food costs beyond the reach of many families.
Rodríguez’s nationwide address occurred just one day ahead of planned worker demonstrations in the capital city of Caracas, where employees plan to march demanding higher wages. She emphasized to viewers that economic recovery takes time and urged both workers and business owners across all sectors to collaborate with her administration “to begin a sustained recovery and maintain this path of growth.”
“It must be done with prudence, with awareness, with patience, but with a profound spirit of optimism about what the future holds for Venezuela,” Rodríguez said.
