Venezuela's interim president, Delcy Rodríguez, called on the international community to stop fearing a country without sanctions, assuring that Venezuelans are friendly and cooperative. This comes after the partial easing of restrictions by the United States, which allows debt advisory services, while the government seeks a total lifting. For citizens, this represents hope for improving the economy and access to basic goods.
The technological dilemma of restarting the economy without sanctions 🖥️
A total lifting of sanctions would involve reactivating international financial systems and payment platforms, currently blocked. Venezuela would need to reconnect its banking servers with global networks like SWIFT and update digital security protocols rendered obsolete by years of isolation. Access to cutting-edge technology for the oil industry and importing spare parts for critical infrastructure would also depend on technical agreements requiring international certifications, a process that would take months even with political will.
Friendly neighbors, but with an empty fridge 🍽️
Delcy says not to fear Venezuelans, and she's right: the only real fear is opening the fridge and finding only a dry lemon and a three-day-old arepa. If sanctions go away, maybe we can even afford bread without selling a kidney. But in the meantime, we remain the friendliest country in the world: we smile while waiting in line for gasoline and applaud when the internet works for more than ten minutes straight.