Despite frustrations caused by the disputed 2019 Presidential election in Venezeula, healthcare workers are getting financial aid, thanks to Crypto.
Airtm, a Latin American crypto exchange, is working with Circle and the US government to dispatch much needed aid to first line workers in Venezuela. This aid distribution has some complicated politics behind it, but the usefulness of the technology is clear.
Dos Presidentes
Venezuela has seen a difficult political reality recently, with two different men claiming the presidency as their own. Nicolás Maduro became the country’s leader in the wake of Hugo Chavez’s death from cancer in 2013. In 2019, a disputed election led to another man, Juan Guaidó, claiming to be the country’s leader.
While Guaidó says his legitimacy stems from his role as head of the National Assembly, Maduro disputes this. The current US administration has been warm to Guaidó as well.
It has also accused Maduro of drug trafficking and President Trump even offered a $15 million reward for Maduro’s arrest.
Despite these tensions amid politicians, Maduro remains in power and in the presidential palace, with the military, allies, and the state-run oil company backing him.
Over 50 countries now recognize Guaidó as President of Venezeula. In turn, Maduro limited Guaidó’s access to funds. Nonetheless, Guaidó maintains he is the true president. And it is through him that aid is meant to be distributed. Unfortunately for Guaidó, he has no control over Venezuela’s treasury.
