Venezuela Analysis

[news] 184 Communes Currently in Formation in Venezuela

Tamara Pearson - Venezuelanalysis.com — Mon, 08 Feb 2010 18:23:38 -0430

Merida, February 8^th, 2010 (Venezuelanalysis.com) – With 184 socialist communes in construction in Venezuela, yesterday, during his weekly TV show Alo Presidente, president Hugo Chavez emphasised the need for “production independent of the capitalist market” in these communes and in general, and also directed Caracas mayor Jorge Rodriguez to expropriate buildings in plaza Bolivar in order to rescue the city’s history.

By Tamara Pearson - Venezuelanalysis.com

[analysis] Cubans Attempt to Resolve Venezuelan Electricity Shortage Despite Living in Constant Blackout

Belén Fernández - Pulse — Mon, 08 Feb 2010 16:55:44 -0430

The latest complaint among the Venezuelan opposition to President Hugo Chávez revolves around his decision to bring Cuban Minister of Information Technology and Communications Ramiro Valdés to Venezuela to help rectify the current electrical crisis, intensified by diminishing water levels at the country’s primary hydroelectric dam.

By Belén Fernández - Pulse

[news] More than 100,000 March in Support of Chavez in Venezuela

Kiraz Janicke - Venezuelanalysis.com — Sat, 06 Feb 2010 09:42:06 -0430

Caracas, February 5, 2010 (venezuelanalysis.com) – Dwarfing recent opposition protests, more than 100,000 supporters of Venezuelan president Hugo Chavez marched in the Venezuelan capital, Caracas, yesterday in defence of the ‘Bolivarian Revolution’ and to celebrate 18 years since Chavez, then a lieutenant colonel, led a failed civilian-military uprising against the corrupt government of former president Carlos Andrés Pérez on February 4, 1992.

By Kiraz Janicke - Venezuelanalysis.com

[news] Venezuela Celebrates 11 Years of “Bolivarian Revolution” & Further Cabinet Changes Announced

Kiraz Janicke - Venezuelanalysis.com — Wed, 03 Feb 2010 18:44:09 -0430

Caracas, February 3, 2010 (venezuelanalysis.com) - Yesterday, Venezuela celebrated eleven years since President Hugo Chavez was first elected in 1998 on the back of a wave of popular rebellion against neo-liberalism in the Latin American country, signifying for many the beginning of what is referred to as the “Bolivarian Revolution”, a radical social process named after Latin American independence hero, Simón Bolivar.

By Kiraz Janicke - Venezuelanalysis.com

[analysis] US Intelligence Report Classifies Venezuela as “Anti-US Leader”.

Eva Golinger - The Chavez Code — Wed, 03 Feb 2010 12:48:40 -0430

3 February 2010 – As is custom at the beginning of each year, the different US agencies publish their famous annual reports on topics ranging from human rights, trafficking in persons, terrorism, threats, drug-trafficking, and other issues that indicate who will be this year’s target of US agression. Yesterday, it was the intelligence community’s turn. Admiral Dennis Blair, National Director of Intelligence, presented the Annual Threat Assessment of the US Intelligence Community before the Senate Select Committee on Intelligence.

By Eva Golinger - The Chavez Code

[analysis] Truth over delusion: Hugo Chavez did not accuse the U.S. of causing the Haitian earthquake

The Anti Press — Wed, 03 Feb 2010 12:39:04 -0430

On January 19, Spanish newspaper ABC, a newspaper of record in Spain, published a story entitled Chavez accuses US of causing earthquake in Haiti.

By The Anti Press

[analysis] Alberto Muller Rojas on Bureacracy in the PSUV

Alberto Muller Rojas, Vladimir Villegas- Indymedia — Tue, 02 Feb 2010 15:16:36 -0430

This interview was first published on 24 November 2009. Vladamir Villegas is the ex-President of VTV and ex-Venezuelan Ambassador to Mexico. Alberto Muller Rojas is the vice-president of the United Socialist Party of Venezuela (PSUV).

By Alberto Muller Rojas, Vladimir Villegas- Indymedia

[news] Venezuelan Government Invests in Electricity Infrastructure

Tamara Pearson - Venezuealanalysis.com — Tue, 02 Feb 2010 08:58:05 -0430

Merida, February 1^st, 2010 (Venezuelanalysis.com) – On Sunday, president Hugo Chavez announced the creation of a special fund of $1 billion for the strengthening of the national electricity system; implementing 59 generation and distribution projects, and 50 operation and maintenance projects.

The announcement follows months of blackouts in some regions of Venezuela, as the electricity supply has been affected by drought, increased consumption, and bureaucracy in the national electricity company, Corpoelec.

By Tamara Pearson - Venezuealanalysis.com

[news] Venezuela’s Chavez Calls for Calm after Violent Pro-RCTV Protests

Tamara Pearson - Venezuealanalysis.com — Tue, 02 Feb 2010 08:48:13 -0430

Merida, February 1, 2010 (Venezuelanalysis.com) – Following a range of sometimes violent protests across the country last week over the temporary suspension of TV station RCTV, as well as one protest last Monday in Merida which left two youths dead, president Hugo Chavez has called for calm, arguing that the protests, together with a media terrorism campaign, are aimed at creating a climate of distress in the country.

By Tamara Pearson - Venezuealanalysis.com

[analysis] The Challenges of 21st Century Socialism in Venezuela:

William I. Robinson, Chronis Polychroniou - Znet — Mon, 01 Feb 2010 09:27:29 -0430

An interview with William I. Robinson, Professor of Sociology, University of California at Santa Barbara, by Chronis Polychroniou - Editor, Greek daily newspaper Eleftherotypia

There are scare stories coming from Venezuela. The border is heating up, infiltration is taking place, a new Colombian military base near the border, US access to several new bases on Colombia and constant subversion. Is the regime concerned about a possible invasion? If yes, who is going to intervene?

By William I. Robinson, Chronis Polychroniou - Znet

[news] Suspension of 4 TV Channels Lifted

Tamara Pearson – Venezuelanalysis.com — Fri, 29 Jan 2010 14:54:17 -0430

Merida, January 29^th, 2010 (Venezuelanalysis.com) – Venezuela’s National Telecommunications Commission CONATEL has lifted the suspension of four of the television stations that were suspended for failing to comply with Venezuela’s radio and television social responsibility law.

By Tamara Pearson – Venezuelanalysis.com

[analysis] The Community Revolution

Pablo Navarrete, Steve Ellner - Red Pepper — Fri, 29 Jan 2010 13:34:34 -0430

February 2009 marked ten years since Hugo Chávez took office in Venezuela, following a landslide election victory that swept the country’s traditional parties out of power. Since assuming the presidency, Chávez has presided over a controversial process of radical change, commonly referred to as the ‘Bolivarian revolution’ – after Simón Bolívar, who liberated Venezuela and much of South America from Spanish colonialism.

By Pablo Navarrete, Steve Ellner - Red Pepper

[analysis] The Washington Post “knocks” the Bolivarian Revolution

Rafael Rico Rios – Rebelion — Thu, 28 Jan 2010 20:17:14 -0430

On 25 January 2010 the Washington Post published the article, ‘How Hugo Chavez’s revolution crumbled’ By Jackson Diehl, a writer for the Washington Post who specialises in international analysis. This article was published just before the terrible media storm unleashed by the case of the television channels [that were temporarily suspended]. A shame for the author because he might have had one more argument for his eager attempt to shoot down revolutions.

By Rafael Rico Rios – Rebelion

[news] UNESCO: Education in Venezuela Has Greatly Improved

Tamara Pearson – Venezuelanalysis.com — Wed, 27 Jan 2010 22:53:05 -0430

Merida, January 27^th, 2010 (Venezuelanalysis.com) – According to a recently released UNESCO report on education, Venezuela’s number of children enrolled in school has significantly increased over the last 10 years, and its Education for all Development Index (EDI) has also increased considerably. Venezuela’s education minister welcomed the findings but said some of the data was inaccurate as it did not include any of the social missions.

By Tamara Pearson – Venezuelanalysis.com

[news] Venezuela’s Chavez Announces Cabinet Re-Shuffle as Three Ministers Resign

Kiraz Janicke and Gregory Wilpert - Venezuelanalysis.com — Wed, 27 Jan 2010 01:27:36 -0430

Caracas, January 26, 2010 (venezuelanalysis.com) – Venezuelan President Hugo Chavez announced the appointment of a new Vice-President, Defence Minister, and Environment Minister shortly after three ministers resigned on Monday.

In a statement broadcast on state-television Monday, Communications Minister Blanca Eeckhout said that President Chavez had accepted the resignations of the Vice-President Ramón Carrizalez, who is also Defence Minister, and his wife, Environment Minister Yubirí Ortega.

By Kiraz Janicke and Gregory Wilpert - Venezuelanalysis.com

[analysis] Revolution within the Revolution in Venezuela

Lainie Cassel - MRZine — Tue, 26 Jan 2010 21:36:35 -0430

In 1999, under newly elected President Hugo Chavez, the Venezuelan people were given a rare opportunity: to participate in the writing of what would become arguably the world's most radical constitution. The result of an extensive constitutional process and an assembly voted on by Venezuelan citizens contrasts with the United States constitution, one created by white landholders centuries ago.

By Lainie Cassel - MRZine

[news] Violent Protests Against Media Social Responsibility Measures Shake Merida, Venezuela

James Suggett - Venezuelanalysis.com — Tue, 26 Jan 2010 20:46:28 -0430

Mérida, January 26^th 2010 (Venezuelanalysis.com) – On Monday, violent protests against the temporary suspension of cable channels that violated media social responsibility laws in Venezuela left one pro-government and one opposition student dead, more than twenty police injured, and parts of downtown Merida burnt and damaged, while peaceful protests occurred in other major cities.

By James Suggett - Venezuelanalysis.com

[news] Venezuela's Chavez Forgives Haiti's Debt

FOCUS News Agency — Tue, 26 Jan 2010 17:16:57 -0430

Caracas, January 26^th 2010 (FOCUS News Agency) – President Hugo Chavez on Monday said that Petrocaribe, Venezuela's cut-rate regional energy alliance, will forgive quake-stricken Haiti's debt, AFP reported.

Haiti's debt with Venezuela is USD 295 million, about one-third of its global foreign debt of USD 1 billion, according to International Monetary Fund figures.

"Haiti has no debt with Venezuela -- on the contrary, it is Venezuela that has a historic debt with Haiti," Chavez said as he made the announcement.

By FOCUS News Agency

[news] Venezuela Sanctions Cable Television Channels for Failure to Comply with Media Law

Kiraz Janicke and James Suggett - Venezuelanalysis.com — Mon, 25 Jan 2010 19:57:22 -0430

Caracas, January 24^th 2010 (Venezuelanalysis.com) – On Saturday, Venezuela’s National Telecommunications Commission (CONATEL) temporarily closed six national cable television channels for failure to comply with the country’s Law on Social Responsibility in Radio and Television.

The media law establishes standards for child and adult programming, prohibits racist, sexist or inflammatory content and incitement to violence, places limits on commercial advertising, and requires stations to broadcast important government announcements.

By Kiraz Janicke and James Suggett - Venezuelanalysis.com

[news] Chavez Supporters and Opposition Rally in Venezuela on Anniversary of Overthrow of Dictator

Kiraz Janicke - Venezuelanalysis.com — Sun, 24 Jan 2010 19:55:13 -0430

Caracas January 24, 2009 (venezuelanalysis.com) – In politically polarised Venezuela, both supporters and opponents of President Hugo Chavez marched peacefully in the capital, Caracas, on Saturday to mark the anniversary of the civic-military uprising that overthrew US-backed dictator Marcos Pérez Jiménez on January 23, 1958.

By Kiraz Janicke - Venezuelanalysis.com

[analysis] Fifth International?!

Michael Albert - Znet — Sun, 24 Jan 2010 17:39:35 -0430

To be a contender, "21st Century Socialist" vision needs elaboration, advocacy, and program. To improve focus and increase power, worldwide anti-capitalist organizations, projects, and movements need shared coherence and mutual solidarity. To fulfill these needs, Venezuela's President Chavez recently announced to widespread support and also some critical response that a gathering in Caracas this April would establish a new International.

By Michael Albert - Znet

[news] Venezuela Reforms Consumer Protection Law to Combat Price Increases

James Suggett - Venezuelanalysis.com — Fri, 22 Jan 2010 19:52:22 -0430

Mérida, January 22^nd 2010 (Venezuelanalysis.com) – To curb price increases by businesses following a recent adjustment in the official exchange rate, the Venezuelan National Assembly passed a law reform on Thursday that will make it easier for the state to take custody of the provision of goods and services that are considered vital to the public welfare.

By James Suggett - Venezuelanalysis.com

[news] Venezuela Applies Media Social Responsibility Law to Cable Channels

James Suggett - Venezuelanalysis.com — Fri, 22 Jan 2010 19:37:32 -0430

Mérida, January 22^nd 2010 (Venezuelanalysis.com) – On Thursday, Venezuela’s National Telecommunications Commission (CONATEL) released a list of cable television companies that will be subject to the Law on Social Responsibility in Radio and Television, marking an expansion of the law’s jurisdiction over television broadcasters.

By James Suggett - Venezuelanalysis.com

[analysis] Currency Adjustment: Necessary, but is it Socialist?

Gregory Wilpert - Correo del Orinoco International — Fri, 22 Jan 2010 10:30:20 -0430

There is little doubt, even among some opposition leaders (who normally oppose just about anything the government does), that the recent currency adjustment of the bolivar was economically necessary. It is a matter of basic math to realize that if inflation averaged 22% between 2005 and 2009 and each bolivar thereby lost about 72% of its purchasing power since the last currency adjustment, then maintaining the exchange rate at the same level during this entire period means imports become ever cheaper and Venezuelan-produced exports become ever more expensive in the rest of the world.

By Gregory Wilpert - Correo del Orinoco International

[news] Announcing Venezuela’s First and Only English Language Newspaper, Correo del Orinoco International

Correo del Orinoco International — Fri, 22 Jan 2010 10:19:06 -0430

Caracas, January 22^nd 2010 – This Friday, Venezuela celebrates the launching of its first and only English language newspaper, the Correo del Orinoco International. While in the past other English-language publications have existed, none remain in circulation today, and no others have been created during the Bolivarian Revolution.

By Correo del Orinoco International

[news] Chilean-Venezuelan Diplomatic Exchange Highlights Political Differences on Continent

James Suggett - Venezuelanalysis.com — Thu, 21 Jan 2010 22:01:18 -0430

Mérida, January 21^st 2010 (Venezuelanalysis.com) – A tense diplomatic exchange between Chilean President-Elect Sebastian Piñera and Venezuelan President Hugo Chavez this week highlighted the political differences between the two leaders on a continent where the terms of economic integration and relations with the United States are in hot dispute.

By James Suggett - Venezuelanalysis.com

[analysis] Voices of Participatory Democracy in Venezuela: A Review of Venezuela Speaks!

Hans Bennett - Upsidedownworld.org — Thu, 21 Jan 2010 19:38:12 -0430

Book Review: Venezuela Speaks! Voices from the Grassroots, By Carlos Martinez, Michael Fox, and JoJo Farrell (PM Press, 2010)

By Hans Bennett - Upsidedownworld.org

[news] Venezuela Steps Up Aid Effort to Haiti, Questions U.S. Military Deployment

Kiraz Janicke – Venezuelanalysis.com — Wed, 20 Jan 2010 22:36:26 -0430

Caracas, January 20^th, 2009 (venezuelanalysis.com) – Venezuela has stepped up its aid effort to Haiti as a second earthquake rocked the Caribbean country again today. This follows a 7.3 magnitude earthquake which destroyed the Haitian capital, port-au-Prince last week leaving at least 75,000 people confirmed dead, 250,000 injured and millions homeless.

By Kiraz Janicke – Venezuelanalysis.com

[news] Venezuelan Oil Workers Reach Collective Contract

Kiraz Janicke – Venezuelanalysis.com — Wed, 20 Jan 2010 21:50:00 -0430

Caracas, January 20^th, 2009 (venezuelanalysis.com) – The United Federation of Venezuelan Oil Workers (FUTPV), and Venezuela’s state-owned oil company, PDVSA have finally reached agreement for a collective contract after factional disputes over union elections delayed negotiations for almost a year.

By Kiraz Janicke – Venezuelanalysis.com

[analysis] A Quick Response to BBC’s Article, “Venezuela’s economy in further slide”

Tamara Pearson - Venezuealanalysis.com — Wed, 20 Jan 2010 11:32:38 -0430

There are few things more condescending and arrogant than a journalist who arrives in a foreign country, walks around briefly in its streets, and from a few superficial observations, believes they can make a judgement on the entire economic situation of a country, as well as the social movements and hopes of millions of members of that country. In yesterday’s article “Venezuela’s economy in further slide”, BBC journalist Robert Plummer admits it’s been a long time since he set foot in Venezuela.

By Tamara Pearson - Venezuealanalysis.com