Venezuela’s National Assembly rejected reports claiming it hired U.S. economist Steve Hanke, launching an exhaustive investigation into lawmakers who leaked the false information to local and international media outlets, according to an announcement by Assembly President Jorge Rodríguez on Friday, August 21, 2026. Rodríguez characterized the report as an “absurd and poisonous maneuver” designed to attribute monetary duties to the legislative power.
Legislative Investigation Targets Lawmakers Over Fake News
The National Assembly’s Board of Directors discovered that internal members leaked the rumor regarding the U.S. economist. Rodríguez emphasized during the session that macroeconomic decisions and monetary policies correspond exclusively to the Executive Power and the Central Bank of Venezuela (BCV). According to the legislative president, the parliament has never considered contracting Steve Hanke under any condition. The investigation aims to preserve institutional integrity against destabilizing economic narratives.
Did you know? Jorge Rodríguez noted that Steve Hanke is known as the architect of Argentina’s currency board system, an economic model that collapsed and destroyed Argentina’s economy during the administration of former neoliberal President Carlos Menem. Rodríguez stated that Venezuela already defeated hyperinflation through its own sovereign economic policies.
National Assembly Passes Housing Construction Promotion and Protection Act
During the extraordinary session, the National Assembly unanimously approved the Law for the Promotion and Protection of Housing Construction, modifying the previous Law Against Real Estate Fraud to boost the domestic construction sector. According to the legislative leadership, the new legal instrument guarantees the fundamental right to adequate housing under conditions of legal security, financial viability, and transparency. The law directly addresses families affected by the June 24 double earthquake to facilitate their access to new housing.
The statute establishes direct oversight, regulation, and inspection of the construction sector under the Ministry of Housing and Habitat. According to Rodríguez, this state supervision aims to prevent speculative practices while protecting both construction developers and home buyers. The legislation fosters public and private partnerships to accelerate housing construction projects across regional municipalities.
Pro Tip: Media organizations have been urged by the National Assembly President to regain journalistic rigor by verifying claims directly with involved parties before publishing groundless economic claims.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who did the National Assembly investigate regarding the Steve Hanke rumor?
According to Assembly President Jorge Rodríguez, the Board of Directors launched an investigation into specific lawmakers who leaked false information to local and international media outlets regarding the alleged hiring.
What is the role of the Central Bank of Venezuela regarding monetary policy?
According to the National Assembly, macroeconomic decisions and monetary policies correspond exclusively to the Executive Power and the Central Bank of Venezuela.
What does the newly approved Housing Construction Act regulate?
According to legislative announcements, the law establishes direct oversight, regulation, and inspection of the construction sector under the Ministry of Housing and Habitat to prevent speculative practices and protect home buyers.
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