Venezuela's Maduro Faces Rough Months Ahead

High levels of social spending and decreasing oil prices will make managing Venezuela's already troubled economy more difficult. Significant financial trouble, such as defaults on foreign debt or significant social spending cuts, is not yet imminent, but a long period of depressed oil prices will make such problems more likely. Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro's administration will continue trying to stem inflation and shortages, but a likely cut in spending could affect the ruling party's popularity.