Maduro accuses businessmen of sabotaging supplies.
"Without delay, without fail, summon the businessmen who are given dollars to import these products that are not made in Venezuela. Summon them, investigate, check the accounts, go to the warehouses, and if necessary, we will arrest them and hand them over to the Public Prosecutor's Office, because I am sure they are behind a plan to sabotage the people," said Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro regarding the supply crisis; he announced that he will "radicalize" the Bolivarian revolution.
From the Lusa News Agency
Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro today (14) accused businessmen of sabotaging the supply of products in the country and of using the dollars authorized for imports to "stab" the people in the back. He announced that he will "radicalize" the Bolivarian revolution.
"Without delay, without fail, summon the businessmen who are given dollars to import these products that are not made in Venezuela. Summon them, investigate, check the accounts, go to the warehouses, and if necessary, we will arrest them and hand them over to the Public Prosecutor's Office, because I am sure they are behind a plan to sabotage the people," he said.
Nicolás Maduro spoke in Los Próceres, Caracas, during an event marking the Day of the Bolivarian Militia, which was broadcast simultaneously and mandatorily on radio and television stations across the country.
"Enough is enough! I ask for the people's support. Enough of so much economic sabotage, so much economic warfare, if it's not one thing it's another. Enough of so many meetings too. When we summon them, they speak, put on a lamb-like face and leave like wolves, hyenas, to stab the people in the back," he said, referring to some businessmen.
The president of Venezuela called on his team to "act with a firm, direct hand" and to "not trust" the bourgeoisie.
"We are going to radicalize the revolution. Enough is enough (...) I call on the people, the Armed Forces, the ministers. Enough with the smiles. The smiles and the talks with the bourgeoisie are over; let them answer for the dollars we gave them," he added.
Maduro stressed that in the fight against product supply problems, he is not interested in surnames and appealed to ministers to have a "firm hand" against those who commit wrongdoing.
"Those who cannot afford it should leave, those who cannot sustain their economic activity should go, but those who are found sabotaging (will go) to jail, they have to be imprisoned and pay for what they do to the people," he said.
According to Nicolás Maduro, "everything has a limit," and businessmen engage in "permanent sabotage" even when summoned to the Miraflores Presidential Palace.
"I ask for support. One man alone cannot do all the tasks; I need support and a firm hand from the ministers and their exclusive dedication," he said, guaranteeing that he would get "to the root" of the problem.
In Venezuela, complaints about difficulties in obtaining essential products such as milk, oil, coffee, sugar, margarine, toilet paper, razor blades, shampoo, soap, and condoms are becoming increasingly frequent.
Some products that are not considered basic or priority items are also experiencing supply shortages, including those in the automotive accessories, paper, and textile sectors.
Every day, supermarkets see long lines of customers looking for products that are often bought in their entirety before they even reach the shelves.
Some citizens frequently use phone apps to find out where scarce products are arriving and to alert their friends.
To obtain the products, Venezuelans spend several hours a day in lines at different commercial establishments.