In Venezuela, Maduro Tries to Buy More Time

Venezuela needs money, perhaps now more than ever. Its economy has long been in decline, but the fall of the price of oil has deprived Caracas of the additional revenue it needs to alleviate its food shortages, which have upset the public and divided the ruling party.

With that in mind, President Nicolas Maduro has begun a two-week fundraising tour abroad. Of course, he would appreciate any money he receives on his trip — it may help to put food back on the shelves of Venezuelan stores — but it would bring only temporary relief. If Maduro does not convince lenders to loan him money, he will likely have to adopt potentially risky economic measures that may well destabilize his government.