Ricardo Hausmann Explains How the Venezuelan Economy Collapsed

Bloomberg's Odd Lots

February 9, 2026

In this conversation with Joe Weisenthal and Tracy Alloway, Ricardo Hausmann explains how Venezuela went from being the largest oil exporter in the world (even larger than Saudi Arabia for a time) to becoming the ultimate economic basket case. He also discusses the huge challenge the country faces in reinvigorating its economy and why he believes it will be impossible as long as the remnants of the Maduro government remain in power.