Venezuelans protest at U.S. embassy

Venezuelan workers and relatives of prisoners marched to the U.S. embassy in Caracas to demand higher wages, the release of political detainees, and a transition to democratic elections after years of stagnant pay. The demonstration brought together union members, civil organizations and families of those they call political prisoners, and unusually featured both Venezuelan and U.S. flags—a signal organizers said was meant to attract international attention. Protesters gathered in central areas before moving toward the diplomatic mission, carrying banners and chanting for fair pay and improved living conditions. Upon reaching the embassy, a delegation delivered documents and requested a meeting with the incoming chargé d’affaires.

Organizers framed the action as a response to soaring inflation and a minimum wage that has been effectively frozen. Venezuela’s official minimum monthly salary has remained at 130 bolivars since March 2022, an amount that translates to only a few cents in practical purchasing power; many public employees rely on bonuses and other payments that can raise monthly income to around $150. Demonstrators said that stagnant salaries and rising costs for food, housing and transportation have made daily survival increasingly difficult, and they demanded urgent economic relief as well as broader reforms to address long-standing structural problems, including inflation and currency instability.

The march followed earlier unrest in which public workers clashed with police while attempting to reach the presidential palace, underscoring growing social pressure from labor groups that have organized repeated public protests. Security forces monitored the route toward the embassy, but the demonstration remained largely peaceful and no major incidents were reported. Participants emphasized that their demands extended beyond immediate wage increases to include measures that could pave the way for recovery and a credible transition to free elections.

In a statement, outgoing chargé d’affaires Laura Dogu said her successor would continue work on a three-phase plan for Venezuela focused on stability, recovery and transition to free elections. Government officials have not issued a formal response to the embassy march.