VENEZUELA RAISES MINIMUM INCOME 26% TO $240, BUT LEGAL BASE SALARY STAYS AT $0.27

Acting President Delcy Rodríguez announced that Venezuela’s comprehensive minimum income will rise from $190 to $240 per month starting May 1, marking a 26.3% increase timed with International Workers’ Day. However, the official base salary remains unchanged at 130 bolivars—about $0.27 monthly—where it has been since March 2022. Most of the income is distributed through bonuses that lack social security and labor protections, a system long criticized by unions.

The government is funding the hike with oil revenues from recent U.S. agreements, with bonus payments costing around $400 million in April compared to $250 million in December. Pensions will also increase from $50 to $70, a 40% rise that Rodríguez admitted is insufficient. Meanwhile, a new Meganalisis poll shows María Corina Machado with 84% support, while Rodríguez holds just 5%.

On Thursday, police blocked a union march in Caracas despite organizers having permits. Inflation reached 71.8% in the first quarter, and the basic food basket now exceeds $700 per month, underscoring the gap between wages and living costs.