The US government has announced the reimposition of sanctions on Venezuela due to a lack of compliance with the Barbados Agreements between the government and opposition. This decision was met with defiance by Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro, who stated that they are not anyone’s colony and that the empire trying to harm them is only harming itself.
Following this announcement, the Venezuelan government terminated its immigration agreement with the United States. Additionally, Jorge Rodríguez, head of the Chavista negotiating delegation, issued threats, including the possibility of sentencing opposition leader Maria Corina Machado to “capital punishment” if she were imprisoned in the US.
The dismantling of general license 44 on oil and gas transactions will be carried out gradually by the US. Companies operating in Venezuela have until May 31 to close their energy production and export operations. The US retains the option to approve licenses for companies already operating in Venezuela, including American oil company Chevron.
Washington’s decision comes just before the deadline set by the National Electoral Council for the change of presidential nominations in Venezuela. The opposition is facing challenges in selecting a viable candidate while Chavismo seems comfortable with the current scenario. The US sanctions serve to maintain pressure on the Maduro regime and limit the electoral route.
Various analysts and political consultants have weighed in on the impact of these sanctions and ongoing political situation in Venezuela. The opposition is struggling to find a unified candidate while Chavismo is trying to maintain control over power through violent means such as repression and intimidation against civilians and opposition leaders. These actions are further destabilizing an already fragile economy that relies heavily on oil exports, making it more difficult for Venezuelans to access basic necessities such as food, medicine, and clean water.
