Ecuador’s election wasn’t free — and its people will pay the price under President Noboa
The IMF joins those working for imperialist ‘regime change’ in Venezuela
The world’s coup-plotters and warmongers haven’t given up on getting their hands on Venezuela’s oil, writes KEN LIVINGSTONE

THE International Monetary Fund (IMF) is poised to deny Venezuela over $5 billion of Special Drawing Rights (SDRs) to bolster its reserves on the grounds that the elected President Nicolas Maduro is not the undisputed legitimate leader of the country.
The overall SDR fund, worth $650 billion (£459bn), is to be allocated to help emerging and low-income nations deal with mounting debt and the Covid-19 pandemic.
The IMF’s reactionary refusal to allow Venezuela access to the $5bn (£3.5bn) pot maintains that “the ongoing political crisis in Venezuela has led to a lack of clarity in the international community … regarding official government recognition.”
More from this author

It is mayors living close to the people who understand what is needed to tackle climate change better than national politicians in their private jets and chauffeur-driven cars, writes KEN LIVINGSTONE

With the 25th anniversary of his first election approaching this year, KEN LIVINGSTONE writes on the achievements and legacy of an important figure in Latin America’s history

KEN LIVINGSTONE writes on the importance of devolution – and using devolved powers for progressive ends

Wide-ranging attacks on ‘enemies within’ are reminiscent of Thatcher’s assault on the miners, GLC, and black and Irish communities in the '80s, writes KEN LIVINGSTONE