The changes start with the introduction of a currency that lops five zeros off the country's fast-depreciating bills. Maduro says he'll also raise gasoline prices to international levels — a combination of measures critics say will only make things worse. Banks remained closed Monday as they prepare to release the "sovereign bolivar," the new currency printed with five fewer zeroes in a bid to tame soaring inflation. The government made a similar move in 2008, when then-President Hugo Chavez issued new currency that eliminated three zeros to combat soaring inflation. Medical staff shout slogans during a protest against the government of President Nicolas Maduro in Caracas, Venezuela, on Thursday.

Source: CBC News August 20, 2018 14:48 UTC