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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Thank You for Helping Us Surpass Our $10,000 Fund Raising Goal!

Venezuelanalysis.com staff — Tue, 19 Jan 2010 13:59:50 -0430

We wish to extend our warmest thanks and utmost gratitude for all of you who donated or became a sustainer during our 2009 fund raising campaign. We surpassed our goal of raising $10,000! This means we will be able to fund and even perhaps expand our operations throughout the year 2010.

By Venezuelanalysis.com staff

Venezuelan Government Takes Over Three Banks, Sanctions Ten More

Kiraz Janicke - Venezuelanalysis.com — Tue, 19 Jan 2010 13:50:52 -0430

Caracas, January 19, 2009 (venezuelanalysis.com) – Venezuela’s Superintendency of Banks and Other Financial Institutions (SUDEBAN) announced that it has taken over three small private banks, InverUnion, Banco Del Sol and Mi Casa due to “serious” administrative problems on Monday.

“The three entities have been subject to administrative action by the Supervisory Authority and their intervention has become necessary and urgent as their required recovery plans are not considered to be viable,” a SUDEBAN statement said.

By Kiraz Janicke - Venezuelanalysis.com

Workers Celebrate Nationalisation of Éxito Supermarket Chain in Venezuela

Kiraz Janicke - Venezuelanalysis.com — Tue, 19 Jan 2010 13:41:14 -0430

Caracas, January 19, 2009 (venezuelanalysis.com) – Waving banners saying “Yes to expropriation!” workers form the supermarket chain Éxito celebrated the decision of Venezuelan President Hugo Chávez, to nationalise the French-Colombian owned transnational company for speculation offenses on Sunday.

Nationalisation proceedings were initiated against Éxito following inspections by the consumer defence institute INDEPABIS as part of a broader campaign against price speculation after Venezuela’s Bolivar currency was devalued on January 8.

By Kiraz Janicke - Venezuelanalysis.com

Venezuela Combats Price Speculation, Invests in Production After Currency Devaluation

James Suggett - Venezuelanalysis.com — Mon, 18 Jan 2010 20:07:25 -0430

Mérida, January 18^th 2010 (Venezuelanalysis.com) – As part of its plan to stimulate non-oil exports, substitute imports, and control inflation following the recent currency devaluation, the Venezuelan government emitted $100 million in bonds, announced the details of a its plan to boost domestic production, and stepped up legal measures against price speculators.

By James Suggett - Venezuelanalysis.com

Venezuelan Electrical Workers Call for Nation-wide Electricity Saving Campaign

Federico Fuentes - Venezuelanalysis.com — Mon, 18 Jan 2010 16:55:34 -0430

Union leaders from Venezuela’s electrical sector have warned that if serious and responsible measures are not taken by the nation as a whole, the sector could “collapse completely”.

As a result of the “El Niño” effect, droughts have led to a sharp drop in the water level of the Guri hydroelectric dam, responsible for more than 70% of Venezuela’s electricity.

By Federico Fuentes - Venezuelanalysis.com

Chávez’s Annual Address Includes Minimum Wage Hike, Maintenance of Social Spending in Venezuela

James Suggett - Venezuelanalysis.com — Mon, 18 Jan 2010 16:51:48 -0430

Mérida, January 18th 2010 (Venezuelanalysis.com) – In his annual address to the National Assembly, Venezuelan President Hugo Chavez announced a 25% increase in the minimum wage this year, promised that funding to health care, education, and other anti-poverty programs will not be cut, and spoke of the influence of both Christianity and Marxism on his government’s policies.

By James Suggett - Venezuelanalysis.com

Venezuela Heating Oil Program Starts 5th Season

Citgo.com — Sat, 16 Jan 2010 19:56:19 -0430

New York, NY, Jan. 15, 2010 --- The CITGO-Venezuela Heating Oil Program, which helped more than 200,000 households last winter, officially began its fifth consecutive season today. The president and CEO of CITGO Petroleum Corporation, Alejandro Granado; the chairman of Citizens Programs Corporation, Joseph P. Kennedy II; and the ambassador of the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela to the United States, Bernardo Álvarez, launched the 2010 edition of the program in New York City with a celebratory ceremony.

By Citgo.com

Venezuelan Electricity Minister Resigns, Electricity Rationing in Capital Suspended

James Suggett - Venezuelanalysis.com — Fri, 15 Jan 2010 20:56:21 -0430

Mérida, January 15^th 2010 (Venezuelanalysis.com) – Venezuelan President Hugo Chavez ordered the suspension of programmed power outages in the capital city on Wednesday, and asked for the resignation of his minister for electricity, citing errors in the management of the country’s plan to conserve energy amidst a nation-wide electricity shortage.

By James Suggett - Venezuelanalysis.com

Honduras Withdraws from ALBA, El Salvador Won’t Join Despite FMLN Support

James Suggett - Venezuelanalysis.com — Fri, 15 Jan 2010 11:24:28 -0430

Mérida, January 15^th 2010 (Venezuelanalysis.com) – On Tuesday, the Honduran Congress voted to withdraw from the Venezuela-led trade bloc called the Bolivarian Alliance for the Americas (ALBA), and on Wednesday, Salvadoran President Mauricio Funes announced that his government will not align with the bloc.

By James Suggett - Venezuelanalysis.com

Venezuelan Humanitarian Team Arrives in Haiti after Earthquake

Kiraz Janicke - Venezuelanalysis.com — Wed, 13 Jan 2010 19:25:37 -0430

Caracas January 13, 2009 (venezuelanalysis.com) – Venezuela sent its first aid airplane to Haiti, a Bolivarian National Armed Force's Hercules C-130, with a fifty-strong advance humanitarian aid team on board, on Wednesday morning, after a 7.3 magnitude earthquake leveled the country’s capital Port-au-Prince, late Tuesday.

By Kiraz Janicke - Venezuelanalysis.com

Venezuela Implements Nationwide Electricity Rationing Due to Energy Shortage

Kiraz Janicke - Venezuelanalysis.com — Wed, 13 Jan 2010 19:07:53 -0430

Caracas, January 13, 2010 (venezuelanalysis.com) – Venezuelan Electricity Minister Angel Rodriguez announced a plan for nationwide electricity rationing on Monday, to combat a crisis in the electricity sector. Many regions of the country have been experiencing unplanned power outages for months as a record drought combined with poor planning and structural problems in the electricity sector affected production and distribution capacity.

By Kiraz Janicke - Venezuelanalysis.com

Venezuelan Government to Invest in Production and Combat Speculation Following Devaluation, but Union Leaders Concerned

James Suggett - Venezuelanalysis.com — Tue, 12 Jan 2010 09:47:58 -0430

Mérida, January 12^th 2010 (Venezuelanalysis.com) – After officially devaluing the national currency last Friday, the Venezuelan government announced a series of measures to increase the country’s exports, substitute its imports, boost electricity production, and combat price speculation, as purchasing frenzies sprung up in several major cities on Monday. However, union leaders have reacted with concern to the devaluation and recommended wage increases.

By James Suggett - Venezuelanalysis.com