In Venezuela, New Protests Loom

Recent events in Venezuela suggest that sections of the country's political opposition are readying for another wave of protests. Sporadic street demonstrations and statements by government officials and opposition leaders in the past few weeks may signal greater social instability to come. Triggering the unrest are rampant inflation and ongoing economic decline, including shortages of food and consumer goods. An outbreak of protests now would compound the government's ongoing concerns, particularly the current gridlock within the ruling party over key economic reforms.