Venezuela Police Use Tear Gas Against Protesters Demanding Wage Hikes

Police in Caracas deployed tear gas against thousands of demonstrators marching toward the presidential palace on Thursday. The protesters are demanding significant pay raises and pension increases, citing severe economic hardship as many citizens struggle to survive on extremely low salaries. This unrest follows Interim President Delcy Rodriguez's announcement on May 1 regarding wage adjustments, though she did not disclose specific figures at the time. The incident highlights ongoing social tensions in Venezuela driven by inflation and stagnant wages. Despite government promises of relief, the lack of transparency regarding the actual increase amounts has failed to quell public dissatisfaction, leading to confrontations between security forces and civilians seeking better living conditions.