THE UNCERTAIN FUTURE OF A COUNTRY DIVIDED IN TWO

The first steps of the Venezuelan crisis began in 2013, after Nicolás Maduro was the winner in the presidential elections of April 14, 2013.

The results were questioned by a good part of the country, including the coalition of parties called "Mesa de la Unidad Democrática", led by one of the presidential candidates in these elections, Henrique Capriles. They demanded that the electoral boxes needed to be opened to carry out a recount of votes, a request that was not fully abide with by the "Consejo Nacional Electoral", which is in charge of counting and publishing the results of each election in the country, but the credibility is very questioned due to their close relations with the national executive and the past of several electoral directors who have campaigned in political parties in favor of the government.

Since 2014, the country has experienced cyclical protests in the streets and violent clashes between the forces of order and the opposition. The circumstances are diverse: on one hand, an opposition that considers Maduro's electoral base weaker than Chávez's, and observes a window of opportunity; on the other, the perennial and intensified economic crisis of the country.

Venezuela faces numerous problems. The most graphic, the shortage of food and medicines: The state maintains a system of price regulation and distribution that places the value of products below the market price. Virtually, the vast demand causes that they exhaust themselves with voracity, which causes that they disappear of the shelves. That’s how a fertile black market has flourished, fomented by corruption, where thousands of Venezuelans go to buy the products of first necessity at the price they find it, since the minimum wage does not even reach for a carton of eggs; Venezuelans are in need of digging and earn money in other types of jobs that are not in which they develop, whether cleaning, masons, plumbing, etc.

To the shortage, we must add that the inflation of Venezuela is the highest in the world and that causes that, a country which depends on imported products; the lowest incomes have serious problems to access to any kind of products. In addition, the recent drop in oil prices, which weakened local finances and insecurity (Venezuela is one of the most violent countries in the world) draw a hopeless picture for many Venezuelans.

WHAT ARE THE SOLUTIONS TO THE CRISIS?

Change of government. The policies of Chávez and Maduro are those that have the country at this current level and it is questioned whether Venezuela has much support at the international level or someone tries to give them money by continuing with their policies.

Reestablish food to the country and ensure the food network, so that everyone can acquire food. With this they can recover the peace in the country.

Invest in the field and achieve food sustainability.

Accept capitalism and turn Venezuela into a safe place for foreign companies, and transnationals. Maybe some people will not like it, but Venezuela is in pit and needs to get out. Ensuring business development would improve investment. If people do not work, they do not have income, if they do not have income, they do not spend and if they do not spend, the economy of the country does not develop.

The recovery of oil prices is essential, but it does not depend on Venezuela.

And most importantly, a demanding town that watches over the government permanently.

HOW CAN PEOPLE HELP VENEZUELA IN THIS?

1. Collaborate in #crowdfunding campaigns. There are many donation campaigns and money collection to help hospitals, orphanages; I've seen campaigns to operate children, political movements like @DSDVzla that has a #Bitcoins portfolio, among others.

 

1. Raise or send medicines and supplies. If you have, buy medicines and send that. Another option is to make a collection, there are always people who want to support, including shipping companies that do not charge you for shipments to Venezuela, if they are for donation mode foundations.

 

1. Spread truthful information. Every day we read false news in social networks that only make the situation worse. Never share information that has not been published or verified by reliable sources.