White House Announces New Venezuela Sanctions Amid Maduro’s Third Term

The Biden administration made a significant move by announcing new sanctions against Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro and other government officials immediately after Maduro’s controversial third-term inauguration. The U.S. expressed strong disapproval of what it deemed an illegitimate election victory.

Sanctions Overview

Despite the expectations of stricter measures against Venezuela’s oil and gas industry, the new sanctions primarily focus on individual figures. The U.S. increased the bounties on Maduro and Interior Minister Diosdado Cabello for drug trafficking and added a $15 million reward for information leading to the arrest of Defense Minister Vladimir Padrino.

Collaborative Efforts

Additionally, the U.S. will implement coordinated sanctions with European partners targeting key figures in Venezuela’s state-owned oil company, PDVSA, and state airline Conviasa. New visa restrictions on Venezuelan government officials were also introduced, along with an extension of temporary protected status for eligible Venezuelans in the U.S.

International Response

The international community, including the Venezuelan opposition, has continuously contested the legitimacy of Maduro’s presidency. Despite efforts to pressure Maduro to reveal election results, the regime remains defiant, leading to increased tensions and repression against opposition figures.

Future Actions

While the U.S. has refrained from targeting the energy sector directly, questions linger about the possibility of stricter measures in the future. The ongoing debate within the administration reflects the complexity of balancing punitive actions with broader economic considerations.

Call for Action

Observers and critics urge the U.S. to address Venezuela’s primary revenue sources, emphasizing the need to combat drug trafficking and regulate oil and gas exports more effectively. The impact of these financial lifelines on Maduro’s regime underscores the urgency for decisive international action.