Venezuela's Political Crisis Pushes People to The Streets

Click on the 'Listen' button above to hear this interview.

Food shortages are making it de facto mango season in Venezuela, where the fruit grows year round. People are turning to tropical fruits to supplement their meals as staples like flour and rice grow harder and harder to find. The country is also facing severe shortages of medicine and water.

In response, many Venezuelans are calling for a vote to recall President Nicolas Maduro, which he is so far refusing to hold. Maduro continues to blame his country's economic crisis on outside forces and is not letting humanitarian organizations import much needed medical supplies.

Spontaneous protests across the country are becoming more frequent, and police have pushed protesters back from the presidential palace with tear gas. 

Here, The Takeaway speaks with Miguel Octavio, a financial analyst who also blogs at The Devil's Excrement. He recently returned from Caracas, and explains what's happening on the streets of Venezuela. Click on the 'Listen' button above to hear our full conversation.