Venezuelan police fired tear gas on Thursday to disperse approximately 2,000 protesters marching towards the presidential palace. The demonstrators demanded substantial increases to wages and pensions, which currently leave many struggling to survive.
Riot police confronted the protesters in central Caracas, reflecting widespread anger over the perceived failure of acting President Delcy Rodríguez to address the nation's cost-of-living crisis. Rodríguez announced a wage increase on Wednesday but did not specify the amount.
The monthly minimum wage in Venezuela stands at 130 bolivars (€0.23), unchanged since 2022. Even with government bonuses, public sector wages can reach around $150, a fraction of the estimated $645 families need to cover basic food needs, with annual inflation exceeding 600%.
Protesters are demanding increases to baseline salaries, not just bonuses, criticizing what they call "deception about salary increases."
Rodríguez, who succeeded Nicolás Maduro after his removal, has advocated for responsible salary increases to avoid further inflation spikes. She faces growing impatience from Venezuelans struggling with basic necessities. Thursday's protest marked the largest anti-government demonstration since August 2024.