Venezuela’s socialist government is giving citizens a meager $4 “Holy Week” bonus while most of the population struggles to afford basic necessities in a country where the monthly minimum wage is just $1.60.
At a Glance
- The Venezuelan government is distributing a $4 “Holy Week 2025 bonus” through its Fatherland system, which is insufficient to buy even a kilogram of fish ($7).
- Venezuela’s monthly public sector minimum wage is approximately $1.60, with 86% of citizens living in poverty according to the Venezuelan Finances Observatory.
- Over 5.6 million Venezuelans have fled the country due to the ongoing political and economic crisis.
- The Fatherland Card system, inspired by China’s social credit system, is criticized as a method of social control and electoral leverage.
- March’s inflation rate reached 13.1%, with a 37.7% accumulated rate for early 2025, furthering economic instability.
Token Gesture Amidst Economic Collapse
The Nicolás Maduro regime’s distribution of a $4 Holy Week bonus through Venezuela’s Fatherland system stands as a stark example of the country’s economic devastation. The stipend, distributed to holders of the government-issued “Fatherland Card,” comes with messages promoting “values of love, peace and justice” but offers little practical assistance to citizens facing hyperinflation and widespread poverty. Even as the government frames this as a benefit, the bonus amount falls far short of addressing basic needs, with the cost of a kilogram of fish ($7) exceeding the entire bonus.
“Let us renew during Holy Week the values of love, peace and justice; let us enjoy with conscience our beloved Venezuela,” stated Nicolás Maduro.
For ordinary Venezuelans, the reality is far different. Pensioners and working-class citizens must stretch these minimal funds to cover essential needs. The Fatherland system suggests using the bonus for public utilities, fuel, or cable services, but many citizens struggle simply to afford food. These bonuses, which have been distributed since 2017 to coincide with national holidays, represent a system that critics say is designed more for social control than genuine assistance.
Widespread Poverty and Hardship
Venezuela’s economic crisis has persisted for over a decade, leaving 86% of the population living in poverty. With a public sector minimum wage of just 130 bolivars (approximately $1.60) per month, many Venezuelans are turning to odd jobs, gambling, or remittances from family members abroad to survive. The country has experienced a profound erosion of quality of life, with formerly middle-class citizens now struggling to afford basic necessities.
“A kilo of fish is about seven dollars, more than my pension. One helps oneself with the bonuses and I have to stretch it to eat for a month and buy some medicines. Now one has to think well how to make do with what little one has. And if I can’t, I’ll buy chicken for Good Friday or I’ll eat salad,” explained Nolli Fernández.
The economic devastation has triggered one of the largest forced displacements in the western hemisphere, with over 5.6 million Venezuelans fleeing the country. Those who remain face chronic shortages of food, medicine, and essential services. Even as the government distributes these token bonuses, the country continues to grapple with an inflation rate of 13.1% for March alone, with a 37.7% accumulated rate for early 2025.
Political Power Struggle Continues
Venezuela’s economic troubles are set against a backdrop of political crisis. The power struggle between President Nicolás Maduro and opposition leaders continues, with the upcoming presidential election presenting a significant challenge to Maduro’s rule. The opposition candidate, Edmundo Gonzalez, backed by prominent opposition leader Maria Corina Machado, represents the hopes of many citizens for economic improvement and political change.
“I used to have quality of life, but the government has trampled us. My idea was to travel, visit my family. Now that is no longer possible,” said Nilda Contreras, reflecting the sentiments of many Venezuelans who have seen their standard of living collapse under the current regime.
The Fatherland Card system itself has become controversial, with critics arguing it serves as a mechanism for electoral leverage rather than genuine assistance. Developed with help from Chinese telecommunications company ZTE, the system bears similarities to China’s social credit system and represents the government’s efforts to maintain control even as its economic policies fail to provide for citizens’ basic needs.
Human Toll of Economic Collapse
For ordinary Venezuelans, the economic collapse has meant profound personal suffering. Many families face food insecurity and lack access to basic healthcare. The stark contrast between the government’s rhetoric of social welfare and the reality of widespread poverty has fueled discontent, despite fears of political repression that sometimes prevent citizens from speaking out publicly.
“I have cried because I have not had to eat. We haven’t migrated — first, because I have my mom and dad here, and second, because I believe in God and I believe that we are going to get through this. But if not, I do have to leave unfortunately with a broken heart, like all those who have emigrated,” shared Cruz Brito, capturing the emotional and physical toll of Venezuela’s ongoing crisis.
