Venezuela’s Maduro Faces Uncertain Future As Protests Ramp Up

FEATURING MIGUEL TINKER SALAS – The Latin American oil economy of Venezuela is once more in crisis as right wing opposition groups staged mass street protests after President Maduro’s government stymied a referendum process. Maduro, who took up the legacy of the late President Hugo Chavez and his Bolivarian revolution, faces a well-funded opposition and accusations of mismanaging the nation’s economy.

Maduro just announced a 40% hike in the national minimum wage, as he continues to champion poor Venezuelans. But middle and upper class Venezuelans see him as a “dictator.” There are plans for a major march on November 3rd that will culminate at the Presidential palace.

Western media like the New York Times have called Maduro,  “authoritarian.” The Times editorial board even went as far as saying, “If there is more bloodshed, Mr. Maduro will be responsible.”

Miguel Tinker Salas is a Professor of Latin American History and Chicano/a Latino/a Studies at Pomona College in Claremont, California.