To invert this situation during the holidays, President Nicolas Maduro's government has imposed Christmas sales to more than 200 retail stores in Caracas.

In the capital's historic center many storefronts carry signs sporting the government's seal and advertising sales or a 30% discount. The discount is set at 30%, as this is the maximum amount of profit stores are allowed to make under a 2014 law.

According to the National Superintendency for the Defense of Socioeconomic Rights this is the result of the President’s orders to “to guarantee fair prices for the people” avoiding the economic disadvantages hitting the country to “take away a merry Christmas” from the people.

Behind the government’s measures is an argument defending that owners of the targeted stores have risen prices by 300% to 500%, which is being denied by store owners.

Image Credits: AFP