Venezuelan socialism has embraced Barbie, just in time for Christmas

Mothers, grandmothers and beaming little girls are grabbing armfuls of the dolls in toy stores across Caracas, taking advantage of the government's order that large chains sell the plastic figurines at fire-sale prices during the festive shopping season.

The socialist government has long imposed price caps on scores of essential products, from milk to detergent and nappies.

Now it is making the Barbie doll a highlight of this year's Operation Merry Christmas initiative, which President Nicolas Maduro says is meant to prevent speculators from ruining the holidays.

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