Venezuela’s central bank has failed to procure a coronavirus vaccine from the UK as the pro-Western opposition of Juan Guaido has prevented it
The fact is that the leadership of the central bank was appointed by President Nicolas Maduro. At the same time, the agency’s special board was appointed by Guaido, who until recently headed parliament.
Officials tried to enlist the support of Guaido’s proxies for the transfer of $120 million in budget funds frozen in UK accounts. The money was needed to buy a vaccine through the Global Alliance for Vaccines and Immunisation, but Guaido’s people refused to cooperate.
“Due to international sanctions, the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic in Venezuela has intensified and President Maduro’s government has been unable to make payment to GAVI to ensure access to COVID-19 vaccines”, – the central bank’s lawyers said.
Reuters was able to take a comment from Guaido’s spokesman. He said the decision to prevent the purchase of a vaccine for Venezuelans was justified despite the crisis gripping the country. The opposition believes it is more important to block the government’s access to public funds.