@venanalysis: Venezuelan Acting President De...

Venezuelan Acting President Delcy Rodríguez gave a televised address earlier with some significant announcements on upcoming reforms. We'll have a report soon, and follow-up content once those reforms are in motion, but here's the gist of it (thread)

The most important announcement was an upcoming reform to the country's Labor Law. Approved in 2012, this is an absolute pillar of Chávez's legacy. But the private sector has upped complaints that present labor rights are too onerous and more flexibility is in order

As an aside, the Venezuelan gov't in recent years, under sanctions, has prioritized non-wage bonuses and kept wages frozen and devalued to almost nothing. In her speech, Rodríguez criticized past wage increases that were "irresponsible" and caused inflation. She announced an increase for May Day but it's likely to be bonuses, not salaries

Other announcements included a reform to the existing pension system, with Rodríguez claiming that there isn't a large enough contributing workforce at the moment for the retiree population. She also added that the private sector contributes very little compared to the state

There will also be a fiscal reform which may go in many different directions. Small businesses have expressed concerns about too heavy fiscal demands. At the same time, foreign corporations (e.g. oil) have also expressed wishes for reduced taxes

Rodríguez additionally announced a reform to the country's housing laws (also a demand from the real estate sector) and a commission to evaluate which state assets are "strategic" and which are not. Though she did not say it, it's a fair guess that the latter will be privatized

Finally, the acting president announced a "national pilgrimage," beginning on Independence Day April 19, and extending all over the country, to demand the lifting of US sanctions