2/3 of the Venezuelan population (66.7%) are aware that sanctions have been imposed on Venezuela. 52% disapprove of sanctions on the oil sector according to the Frequency58 by ORC Consultores Study of March 2022.
Two-thirds of the Venezuelan population (66.7%) are aware that sanctions have been imposed on Venezuela. When asked whether or not they approve of these measures, the population differs depending on the sector subject to the sanctions. When asked «Do you approve or disapprove of the sanctions imposed by the United States on the government of Venezuela?»:
- Sanctions on the Venezuelan government are approved by 24% and disapproved by 46%
- Sanctions on officials of the government of Nicolás Maduro are approved by 42% and disapproved by 36%.
- Sanctions on the oil sector are approved by 16% and disapproved by 52%.
When responses are disaggregated between those Venezuelans who have relatives in the US and those who do not, there are noteworthy differences:
- 31.3% of Venezuelans with relatives in the U.S. approve of sanctions on the Venezuelan government while 34.1% disapprove of them.
- On the other hand, 38.8% of Venezuelans who do not have relatives in the U.S. approve of sanctions against the Venezuelan government, while 39.2% disapprove.
- As for sanctions on the oil sector, 17.2% of Venezuelans with relatives in the U.S. approve of them, while 44.4% disapprove.
- Among those without family members in the U.S., 15.2% approve of sanctions on the oil sector, while 53.6% disapprove.
According to Oswaldo Ramírez, Director of ORC Consultores, «it is clear that the Venezuelan population strongly rejects economic sanctions, but not those imposed on government officials. Ordinary Venezuelans feel the economic impact of sanctions in their day-to-day; however, they believe that there must be a punishment for those who produced the humanitarian crisis.».
In relation to the negotiation process initiated in 2021 between the opposition’s Unitary Platform and the Maduro regime in Mexico, 43% express their approval, while 34% disapprove. The question asked was: «Do you approve or disapprove of the negotiation process in Mexico between the government of Nicolás Maduro and the opposition?»:
A meeting was recently held between the United States’ government and the Nicolás Maduro regime, within the framework of potential geopolitical changes derived from Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. These meetings led to the release of two American hostages, including 1 of “the CITGO 6”.
At Frequency58, we asked: «Do you agree or disagree with a process of dialogue and direct negotiations between the United States government and the Nicolás Maduro regime that leads to a relaxation of sanctions on oil matters derived from the war situation between Russia and Ukraine?» The answer is as polarized as Venezuela, with 31% agreeing and 28% disagreeing.
Ramírez states that this finding «shows that there is still disinformation and ignorance of what was discussed in the meeting, or uncertainty about what may result from these changes in the United States-Venezuela relationship, either for reasons of national security or energy interests of the United States.»
Frequency58 is a product of ORC Consultores, a consulting firm in Strategy, Political Risk and Environmental Intelligence.
Sheet:
Sampling unit: Natural persons, both genders, over 18 years of age, registered in the CNE Electoral Registry.
Nro. of interviews: 1,151 interviews.
Data collection: March 9 to 15, 2022.
Level of accuracy: Sampling error estimated at ±2.4%, considering maximum variance and 95% confidence.
Sampling method: Systematic random with probability proportional to the nro. of telephone lines in the country.
Instrument: Telephone interview, based on structured questionnaire, approved by the contractor on March 7, 2022.
Regional quotas: Región Central (Miranda, Dtto. Capital, Carabobo, Aragua y La Guaira): 34%; Región Occidental (Zulia, Lara, Táchira, Falcón, Mérida, Trujillo y Yaracuy): 34%; Región Oriental (Anzoátegui, Sucre, Monagas y Nva. Esparta): 14%; Región Los Llanos (Portuguesa, Guárico, Barinas, Apure y Cojedes): 12%; Región Guayana (Bolívar, Amazonas y Delta Amacuro): 6%.
Gender: Female 52%; Male 48%
Ages: Generation Z (18-24) 11%; Generation Y (25-40) 34%: Generation X (41-55) 29%; Generation Baby Boomers (56-75) 22%; Generation Silent (+75) 4%.
Political self-definition: Official 22%; Non-aligned 49%, Opposition 30%.
