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(Bloomberg) — Most Venezuelans expect the economy and job market to improve within six months as the US eases sanctions and the government rolls out reforms to attract investment.
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A new AtlasIntel survey conducted for Bloomberg News found 58% of respondents expect to be able to purchase more goods in the next six months, even as more than half said their families are currently facing a difficult economic situation.
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The findings point to a rebound in sentiment tied to a partial easing of US sanctions and policy shifts by acting President Delcy Rodriguez aimed at drawing foreign capital into key sectors.
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The results come about two months after Donald Trump’s military intervention in Venezuela, which ousted socialist Nicolás Maduro and pressured Rodriguez to introduce measures including more attractive terms for foreign companies in the nation’s energy industry.
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In addition, the US has issued licenses intended to facilitate oil trading and production. During a recent visit to Venezuela’s oil facilities, US Energy Secretary Chris Wright said there was “absolutely overwhelming” interest from investors.
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Despite the improved outlook, Venezuelans continue to cite corruption, democratic backsliding, poverty and unemployment as the country’s most pressing problems.
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About 52% of respondents also said they perceive an increase in civil liberties. That sentiment coincided with a surge in peaceful protests in January, with a local NGO reporting that demonstrators appear less fearful as authorities have largely stopped persecuting protesters amid international scrutiny, particularly from the US.
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Despite their optimism, Venezuelans still held a negative view of Rodriguez, with 44% disapproving of her performance compared with 37% approval. Only 29% of respondents said they had a positive image of Rodriguez, while major opposition figures and even Trump himself fared better.
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The survey interviewed 2,336 people across Venezuela from Feb. 19 to Feb. 25 and had a margin of error of plus or minus 2 percentage points.
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