An example of fiscal irresponsibility

The local government of Pedro María Freites Municipality (Eastern Anzoategui) is facing bankruptcy. Some public workers have been fired while others are protesting because they haven’t been paid...

Evelín Urdaneta (MUD-AD), the current Mayor of Pedro María Freites Municipality

The local government of Pedro María Freites Municipality (Eastern Anzoategui) is facing bankruptcy. Some public workers have been fired while others are protesting because they haven’t been paid recently.

The mayor has explained that PDVSA, the main contributor to the local treasury, has not paid any taxes at all in ten months. Its outstanding debt stands around BsF.98 million. She has tried to use every legal options at her disposal, to no avail.

Finance Minister Jorge Giordani has hinted at possible tax reforms. Maybe first he should make sure State Owned Enterprises pay their own taxes. It should be easy enough for him to track down minster/CEO Rafael Ramirez in person, as the two share the same schedule.

But better hurry, he’s going to Merida pretty soon.