Maduro: Venezuela is a victim of global 'financial persecution'

On September 19, Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro affirmed that his country is the victim of a global "financial persecution", a consequence of the unreasonable economic siege imposed by the US, causing serious consequences to the lives of the people of this South American country.

Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro. Photo: AFP/TTXVN

Speaking on television during a talk show hosted by former Ecuadorian President Rafael Correa, Mr. Maduro admitted that Venezuela's economic situation is extremely difficult due to unilateral sanctions by the US, which have restricted domestic economic activities and forced Venezuela to enter a period of "economic resistance."

President Maduro also denounced the strict US sanctions that make it impossible for Venezuela to open bank accounts and import food and medicine, while about $30 billion in Venezuelan state assets are frozen and Washington is now threatening to impose a maritime blockade on Caracas.

According to the Venezuelan leader, until 2015, oil production brought the state budget nearly 50 billion USD per year, but in 2018, this key industry only reached about 4 billion USD.

President Maduro made it clear that the US attack was not aimed at a specific individual but at destroying a historical process, the Bolivarian Revolution. However, the will and strength of the Venezuelan people will overcome all sabotage and destabilization plots, and with or without him, the Bolivarian Revolution will continue.

The Venezuelan leftist leader also said that despite the US economic war and limited revenue, the government continues to implement social programs serving the most vulnerable people in society, including missions related to education, health and housing that have been effectively implemented for many years since the time of the late President Hugo Chavez./.