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Line 294: − + − − ===The Caracazo And Popular Dissatisfaction=== − Venezuela's prevailing political calm came to an end in 1989, when Venezuela experienced riots in which more than 200 people were killed in Caracas. The so-called Caracazo was a response to an economic [[Ascesis|austerity]] program launched by then-President Carlos Andres Perez. Three years later, in February 1992, a group of army lieutenant colonels led by future President Hugo Chavez mounted an unsuccessful coup attempt, claiming that the events of 1989 showed that the political system no longer served the interests of the people. A second, equally unsuccessful coup attempt by other officers followed in November 1992. A year later, Congress impeached Perez on corruption charges. − − Deep popular dissatisfaction with the traditional political parties, income disparities, and economic difficulties were some of the major frustrations expressed by Venezuelans following Perez's impeachment. In December 1998, Hugo Chavez Frias won the presidency on a campaign for broad reform, constitutional change, and a crackdown on corruption. − − ===Constitutional Reforms=== − [[Image:chavez.jpg|200px|right|thumb|[[Hugo Chavez|Hugo Chávez]]]] − Current President Hugo Chávez was elected in 1998 on a platform that called for the creation of a National Constituent Assembly in order to write a new constitution for Venezuela. Chavez's argument that the existing political system had become isolated from the people won broad acceptance, particularly among Venezuela's poorest classes, who had seen a significant decline in their living standards over the previous decade and a half. The National Constituent Assembly (ANC), consisting of 131 elected individuals, convened in August 1999 to begin rewriting the Constitution. In free elections, voters gave all but six seats to persons associated with the Chavez movement. Venezuelans approved the ANC's draft in a national referendum on December 15, 1999. − − ===Political Turmoil=== − [[File:Logo_LS_Venezuela_Socialism.jpg|left|230px]] − In July 2000, following a long and controversial process, voters re-elected President Hugo Chavez of the Fifth Republic Movement (MVR) in generally free and fair national and local elections. The MVR and pro-Chavez Movimiento a Socialismo (MAS) party won 92 seats in the 165-member legislature. Subsequent party splits reduced the pro-Chavez members to 84 seats. In April 2002, the country experienced a temporary alteration of constitutional order. When an estimated 400,000 to 600,000 persons participated in a march in downtown Caracas to demand President Chavez' resignation, gunfire broke out, resulting in as many as 18 deaths and more than 100 injuries on both sides. Military officers took President Chavez into custody, and business leader Pedro Carmona swore himself in as interim President. On April 14, military troops loyal to Chavez returned him to power. A national reconciliation process, with participation by the Organization of American States, the UN Development Program, and the Carter Center, was unsuccessful in stopping further conflict. Opposition leaders called a national work stoppage on December 2, 2002. Strikers protested the government and called for the resignation of President Chavez. The oil sector joined other sectors of the economy and effectively shut down all economic activity for a month. The OAS Permanent Council passed Resolution 833 on December 16, 2002, calling for a "constitutional, democratic, peaceful, and electoral solution" to the crisis in Venezuela. The strike formally ended in February 2003 as political opponents of Chavez sought a recall referendum to revoke the mandate of the president. − − ===The Referendum Process=== − In September 2003, after an impasse in the National Assembly, the Supreme Court named a new board of directors for the National Electoral Council (CNE). After months of intense deliberations that included two conflicting signature drives overseen by the CNE, political riots over the government's disqualification of questionable signatures, and the intervention of international electoral observers, the CNE certified the opposition's results and set the date of the recall referendum for August 15, 2004. According to the CNE, President Chavez won 59% of the vote. His opponents immediately contested that the results of the referendum were marked by electoral fraud. However, international electoral observation missions carried out by the Organization of American States and the Carter Center found no indication of systemic fraud. − − [[Smartmatic]] affiliations with government politicians raised suspicions, with instances of an interior vice minister, Morris Loyo Arnáez, being hired to lobby for Smartmatic contracts and with the company paying for the National Electoral Council (CNE) president Jorge Rodríguez Jorge Rodríguez and his sister Delcy Rodríguez to stay at the Boca Raton Resort & Club in Boca Raton, Florida.<ref name="ABCsemana">{{cite news|url=http://www.abcdelasemana.com/2013/09/20/una-extrana-muerte-en-smartmatic/|title=UNA EXTRAÑA MUERTE EN SMARTMATIC|last1=Peñaloza|first1=Carlos Julio|date=20 September 2013|work=ABC de la Semana|accessdate=}}</ref> Vice Minister Loyo was paid $1.5 million by Smartmatic as a "sales commission" and his continual payments with the company eventually doubled. − − A lawyer who had worked with Rodríguez, Moisés Maiónica, was allegedly employed by Smartmatic in order to provide legal and financial assistance to help with its selection for its 2004 elections.<ref name="JOHNsmart">{{cite book|url=https://www.nist.gov/sites/default/files/documents/itl/vote/SequoiaSmartmaticReport61208.pdf|title=SEQUOIA VOTING SYSTEMS, INC. USES VOTE-COUNTING SOFTWARE DEVELOPED, OWNED, AND LICENSED BY FOREIGN-OWNED SMARTMATIC, A COMPANY LINKED TO THE VENEZUELAN GOVERNMENT OF HUGO CHÁVEZ|last1=Bonifaz|first1=John|date=12 June 2008|publisher=[[National Institute of Standards and Technology]]|pages=1–13<!--|accessdate=28 December 2016-->|author1-link=John Bonifaz}}</ref><ref name="LNsmart">{{cite news|url=http://www.lanacion.com.ar/982136-el-abogado-chavista-arrepentido|title=El abogado chavista arrepentido|date=26 January 2008|work=[[La Nación]]|accessdate=}}</ref> Years after the election in December 2008, Maiónica pled guilty in the United States District Court for attempting to cover up the Suitcase scandal (Maletinazo scandal), an incident where Hugo Chávez attempted to finance Cristina Kirchner's 2007 Argentine Presidential Election campaign to influence [[Argentina]]'s presidential election, with Maiónica stating that he was working for Venezuela's spy agency, the National Directorate of Intelligence and Prevention Services.<<ref name="NYTsmart">{{cite news|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2008/12/09/world/americas/09suitcase.html?_r=0|title=Venezuelan Given 15 Months in Suitcase of Cash Scandal|last1=Barrionuevo|first1=Alexei|date=8 December 2008|work=The New York Times|accessdate=}}</ref> − − After the presidential recall referendum of 2004, a controversy was raised about the use of electronic voting (SAES voting machines). Studies following the 2004 Venezuela recall elections found that Smartmatic's network was "bi-directional" with data being able to be transferred both ways between Smartmatic devices and the telecommunications company CANTV, with alleged irregularities found between the Smartmatic and Venezuela's National Electoral Council election results.<ref name="EUtulio">{{cite news|url=http://www.eluniversal.com/2004/09/11/imp_opi_art_11490D.shtml|title=Fraude y posibilidad de rectificación|last1=Salgueiro|first1=Adolfo P.|date=11 September 2004|work=El Universal (Caracas)|accessdate=}}</ref> Other independent election monitors claimed electoral fraud and submitted appeals, and statistical evaluations including a peer-reviewed article in 2006<ref>{{Cite journal|last1=Cordero|first1=Maria M. Febres|last2=Márquez|first2=Bernardo|year=2007|title=A Statistical Approach to Assess Referendum Results: The Venezuelan Recall Referendum 2004|journal=International Statistical Review|volume=74|issue=3|pages=379–389|citeseerx=10.1.1.379.441|doi=10.1111/j.1751-5823.2006.tb00301.x}}</ref> and a special section of 6-peer-reviewed article in 2011<ref name="specialsection">[http://projecteuclid.org/DPubS?service=UI&version=1.0&verb=Display&page=toc&handle=euclid.ss/1330437927 Special Section: Revisiting the 2004 Venezuelan Referendum] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120728043017/http://projecteuclid.org/DPubS?service=UI&version=1.0&verb=Display&page=toc&handle=euclid.ss%2F1330437927|date=2012-07-28}}, ''Statistical Science'', 26(4), November 2011</ref> concluded that it was likely that electronic election fraud had been committed. − − ===From Referendum To Elections=== − In the wake of the referendum victory, Pro-Chávez candidates continued to sweep other electoral contests. Chávez supporters won 20 out of the total 22 state governor positions up for election in October 2004 (there are currently two opposition governors). Chavez supporters also won a majority of the seats in the August 2005 municipal council (parroquias) elections. Pro-Chávez parties won all 167 seats in the December 2005 National Assembly elections, after most opposition candidates withdrew one week before the elections over voter secrecy concerns. The final reports of the EU and OAS observer missions to the 2005 legislative elections, which were marked by record-high abstention, noted high levels of distrust in electoral institutions. The reports made specific recommendations to increase transparency and help voters regain the confidence necessary for participation. Most of the recommendations were not implemented. As a signatory of the Inter-American Democratic Charter, Venezuela has an obligation to hold "periodic, free, and fair elections based on secret balloting and universal suffrage." − − Prior to the 2005 Venezuela parliamentary election, one technician could work around "the machine's allegedly random storage protocols" and remove voting secrecy. Since the voting systems were [[Windows]] based and only randomized data, the technician was able to download a simple software that could place Windows files in order. Following this revelation, voter turnout dropped substantially with only 25% of registered Venezuelans voting and opposition parties withdrawing from the election. This resulted in Hugo Chávez's party, as well as his allied parties, to control 100% of Venezuela's National Assembly. − − ===A New Term and New Administration=== − [[File:Manuel Rosales Venezuela.jpg|thumb|125px|Manuel Rosales.]] − President Chávez was re-elected by an overwhelming majority (63%) in the December 3, 2006, presidential elections. He defeated Zulia Governor Manuel Rosales, whose Un Nuevo Tiempo (UNT) party formed an alliance with several key opposition parties. Though international observers found no evidence of fraud on election day, they did note concerns over abuse of government resources used to support the Chávez campaign, voter intimidation tactics, and manipulation of the electoral registry. − − In January 2007, President Chávez named a new Vice President (the former head of the CNE) and cabinet, drawing largely from deputies of the National Assembly. Chávez announced a renewed effort to implement his vision of "21st Century Socialism" in Venezuela. He asked the National Assembly to grant him special constitutional powers via an "enabling law" to rule by decree over a broad range of society and subsequently received those powers for a term of 18 months. He also took major steps to nationalize the telecommunications and electricity sectors, as well as to finalize a majority government share in many oil projects, all sectors with significant foreign investments. − − === Constitutional referendum 2007 === − On August 15, President Chávez proposed a package of 33 articles to reform the 1999 Constitution. On 11 September the National Assembly enlarged a number of amendments with other 36 articles, increasing in 69 the number of articles to be voted in the referendum. Finally, the National Assembly passed the reform on 2 November.<ref>[http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/americas/7076076.stm Venezuela assembly passes reforms], ''BBC News'', November 2, 2007. Retrieved on December 13, 2007.</ref> − − The proposals were divided into two blocks: block "A" and block "B". Some of the amendments are: − − * Indefinite presidential re-election. − * The presidential term will be increased from six to seven years. − * Five types of property are proposed: public, social, collective, mixed, and [[private property]]. The Venezuelan State is to govern four of these new five types of property, as it intends to play a role as owner, partner, and financier.<ref>[http://buscador.eluniversal.com/2007/10/01/en_eco_art_venezuelan-state-to_01A1086237.shtml Venezuelan state to govern four types of property], ''El Universal'', October 1, 2007. Retrieved on December 13, 2007.</ref> − * Creation of federal territories ruled by vice presidents. The heads of federal territories will be appointed by the President of Venezuela. − * Autonomy of the central bank will be concluded. − * The international reserves will be managed by the president. − * Reduction of the maximum working week from 44 to 36 hours. − * Reduction of voting age from 18 to 16 years. − * Benefits of social security will be expanded to workers of the informal economy. − − The constitutional reform was rejected by the opposition to considered it as an attempt of President Chávez to rule the country indefinitely and to create a socialist economy. Marches against the reform were done in many parts of Venezuela. A major role in the protests was played by university students.<ref>[https://www.economist.com/displayStory.cfm?story_id=10136480 Challenging Chávez-for-life, A new kind of opposition], ''The Economist'', November 15, 2007. Retrieved on December 13, 2007.</ref> Some supporters of Mr. Chávez such as the allied party ''PODEMOS'', ''Raúl Baduel'' (his ex- Defense Minister) and ''Marisabel Rodríguez'' (his ex-wife) rejected the reform and called the electors to vote against the reform.<ref>[http://buscador.eluniversal.com/2007/11/05/en_refco_art_former-defense-minis_05A1174277.shtml Former Defense Minister rejects constitutional reform], ''El Universal'', November 5, 2007. Retrieved on December 13, 2007.</ref><ref>[http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/news/world/us_and_americas/article2983752.ece Ex-wife damns Hugo Chavez ‘coup’], ''The Sunday Times'', December 2, 2007. Retrieved on December 13, 2007.</ref> − − On 2 December 50% of electors voted against the constitutional reform while 49% of electors voted in favor.<ref>[http://buscador.eluniversal.com/2007/12/03/en_refco_art_venezuelans-said-no_03A1240957.shtml Venezuelans said “no” to Chávez’s planned reform], ''El Universal'', December 3, 2007. Retrieved on December 13, 2007.</ref> The reform was rejected in seven important Venezuelan states, based on the number of voters, namely Zulia, Miranda, Carabobo, Lara, Anzoátegui, and the Capital District (Caracas).<ref>[http://buscador.eluniversal.com/2007/12/04/en_refco_art_states-of-zulia,-mir_04A1243797.shtml States of Zulia, Miranda and Táchira played a decisive role], ''El Universal'', December 4, 2007. Retrieved on December 13, 2007.</ref> It is the first time since Chávez won power in 1998 that the current government lost at the polls. − − Abstention, which was more than 44%, is considered an important factor of the government defeat. It is thought many supporters of Chávez refrained from voting because they were not in agreement with the reform.<ref>[http://www.time.com/time/world/article/0,8599,1690507,00.html?imw=Y Why Venezuelans Turned on Chavez], By Gould, Jens Erik, ''Time'', December 3, 2007. Retrieved on December 13, 2007.</ref> − − President Chávez recognized the results, but he announced to the nation that another referendum to modify the constitution will be proposed again in the future. The previous statement was said by the Venezuelan president again on December 5.<ref>[http://english.eluniversal.com/2007/12/05/en_refco_art_chavez-announces-sec_05A1247117.shtml Chávez launches second offensive to pass reform to the Constitution], ''El Universal'', December 6, 2007. Retrieved on December 13, 2007.</ref> The National Assembly decided to join the presidential efforts to keep the proposal alive.<ref>[http://english.eluniversal.com/2007/12/05/en_refco_art_parliament-insists-o_05A1245643.shtml Parliament insists on advancing Chávez’s defeated reform], ''El Universal'', December 5, 2007. Retrieved on December 13, 2007.</ref> − − ===Decent into chaos, instability, and a military state=== − [[File:Nicolás Maduro (cropped).jpg|thumbnail|150px|[[Nicolás Maduro]].]] − By 2017, Venezuela was in serious economic and political [[chaos]], having become a virtual military state and becoming a humanitarian disaster.<ref name="Socialism"/><ref>Kew, Ben (December 24, 2017). [https://www.breitbart.com/national-security/2017/12/24/venezuela-2017-socialist-policies-take-humanitarian-toll-as-country-enters-dictatorship/ Venezuela 2017: Socialist Policies Take Humanitarian Toll as Country Enters Dictatorship]. ''Breitbart News''. Retrieved December 24, 2017.<br>See also: − *Carafano, James Jay (January 11, 2019). [https://www.foxnews.com/opinion/americas-progressives-are-so-busy-extolling-virtues-of-socialism-that-they-want-you-to-ignore-this America's progressives are so busy extolling virtues of socialism that they want you to ignore THIS]. ''Fox News''. Retrieved January 13, 2019. − *Adelmann, Bob (April 1, 2019). [https://www.thenewamerican.com/world-news/south-america/item/31905-socialist-misery-deepens-in-formerly-prosperous-venezuela Socialist Misery Deepens in Formerly Prosperous Venezuela]. ''The New American''. Retrieved April 2, 2019.</ref> Massive hyperinflation was present in the country.<ref>Adelmann, Bob (April 17, 2018). [https://www.thenewamerican.com/world-news/south-america/item/28769-starvation-suicides-increasing-under-venezuelas-hyperinflation Starvation, Suicides Increasing Under Venezuela's Hyperinflation]. ''The New American''. Retrieved April 20, 2018.</ref> Many non-Venezuelan [[liberal]]s had praised the nation's slide into this poor state.<ref>Kew, Ben (May 4, 2017). [https://www.breitbart.com/national-security/2017/05/04/ten-influential-public-figures-praised-venezuelas-descent-socialist-hell/ 10 Famous People Who Praised Venezuela’s Descent Into Socialist Hell]. ''Breitbart News''. Retrieved May 5, 2017.</ref> However, many of the "opposition" did not want to truly end the socialist policies.<ref>Martel, Frances (May 17, 2017). [https://www.breitbart.com/national-security/2017/05/17/former-un-security-council-head-in-venezuela-even-opposition-uncomfortable-defying-socialism/ Former U.N. Security Council Head: In Venezuela, Even Opposition Uncomfortable Defying ‘Socialism’]. ''Breitbart News''. Retrieved May 18, 2017.</ref> Venezuela's May 2018 presidential election was derided by many countries as a sham and an illustration of its descent into authoritarianism.<ref>Multiple references: − *Llorente, Elizabeth (May 21, 2018). [https://www.foxnews.com/politics/2018/05/21/re-election-venezuelan-president-denounced-as-sham-calls-grow-for-more-sanctions.html Re-election of Venezuelan president denounced as sham, calls grow for more sanctions]. ''Fox News''. Retrieved May 21, 2018. − *Ulmer, Alexandra; Rampton, Roberta (May 20, 2018). [https://www.reuters.com/article/us-venezuela-election-reaction/re-elected-venezuelas-maduro-faces-global-criticism-u-s-sanctions-idUSKCN1IM0CT Re-elected, Venezuela's Maduro faces global criticism, U.S. sanctions]. ''Reuters''. Retrieved May 21, 2018. − *Casey, Nicholas; Davis, Julia Hirschfeld (May 21, 2018). [https://www.nytimes.com/2018/05/21/world/americas/venezuela-nicolas-maduro-sanctions.html As Trump Adds Sanctions on Venezuela, Its Neighbors Reject Election Result]. ''The New York Times''. Retrieved May 22, 2018. − *Adelmann, Bob (May 21, 2018). [https://www.thenewamerican.com/world-news/south-america/item/29103-fraudulent-election-in-venezuela-guarantees-more-suffering Fraudulent Election in Venezuela Guarantees More Suffering]. ''The New American''. Retrieved May 21, 2018. − See also: − Mass, Warren (May 23, 2018). [https://www.thenewamerican.com/world-news/south-america/item/29118-after-maduro-s-reelection-in-venezuela-chaos-worsens-and-exodus-increases After Maduro’s Reelection in Venezuela, Chaos Worsens and Exodus Increases]. ''The New American''. Retrieved May 23, 2018.</ref> In August 2018, the government announced it would deal with its hyperinflation simply by dropping zeros off its currency.<ref>Vyas, Kyle; Castro, Maolis (August 18, 2018). [https://www.wsj.com/articles/venezuela-devalues-currency-and-hikes-wages-stoking-fears-about-instability-1534629512 Venezuela Devalues Currency and Hikes Wages, Stoking Fears About Instability]. ''The Wall Street Journal''. Retrieved August 18, 2018.</ref><ref>Tennant, Michael (August 17, 2018). [https://www.thenewamerican.com/world-news/south-america/item/29808-venezuela-s-hyperinflation-solution-drop-zeros-from-the-currency Venezuela’s Hyperinflation Solution? Drop Zeros From the Currency]. ''The New American''. Retrieved August 18, 2018.</ref><ref>Xenakis, John J. (August 19, 2018). [https://www.breitbart.com/national-security/2018/08/19/world-view-socialist-venezuela-introduces-fantasy-currency-and-socialist-changes/ World View: Socialist Venezuela Introduces Fantasy Currency and Socialist Changes]. ''Breitbart News''. Retrieved August 19, 2018.</ref><ref>Tennant, Michael (August 21, 2018). [https://www.thenewamerican.com/world-news/south-america/item/29837-venezuela-takes-more-desperate-but-futile-steps-to-save-socialism Venezuela Takes More Desperate but Futile Steps to Save Socialism]. ''The New American''. Retrieved August 21, 2018.</ref> In 2018, 40% of all Venezuelan businesses closed after Maduro imposed a massive minimum wage increase.<ref>Mass, Warren (September 17, 2018). [https://www.thenewamerican.com/economy/economics/item/30093-thanks-maduro-nearly-40-of-venezuelan-businesses-closed Thanks, Maduro: Nearly 40% of Venezuelan Businesses Closed]. ''The New American''. Retrieved September 17, 2018.</ref> Long lines existed for everything, even to get a passport to leave the country.<ref>Tennant, Michael (October 9, 2018). [https://www.thenewamerican.com/world-news/south-america/item/30290-in-venezuela-you-even-have-to-wait-in-line-to-leave In Venezuela, You Even Have to Wait in Line to Leave]. ''The New American''. Retrieved October 10, 2018.</ref> The country saw nationwide power outages.<ref>Adelmann, Bob (March 11, 2019). [https://www.thenewamerican.com/world-news/south-america/item/31697-nation-wide-power-outages-sending-venezuela-back-to-the-dark-ages Nationwide Power Outages Sending Venezuela Back to the Dark Ages]. ''The New American''. Retrieved March 11, 2019.</ref> Several Venezuelans warned the United States not to adopt socialism.<ref>Kan, Janita (February 6, 2019). [https://www.theepochtimes.com/venezuelans-warn-against-bringing-socialism-to-the-united-states_2792429.html Venezuelans Warn Against Bringing Socialism to the United States]. ''The Epoch Times''. Retrieved February 7, 2019.</ref> − − Venezuela's government continued to receive support from [[Russia]] and [[China]].<ref>Adelmann, Bob (October 29, 2018). [https://www.thenewamerican.com/world-news/south-america/item/30485-china-russia-rushing-to-keep-venezuela-alive-as-crisis-deepens China, Russia Rushing to Keep Venezuela Alive as Crisis Deepens]. ''The New American''. Retrieved October 29, 2018.</ref> Additionally, [[Cuba]]'s Communist regime helped Venezuela adopt left-wing authoritarian policies.<ref>Berwick, Angus (August 22, 2019). [https://www.reuters.com/investigates/special-report/venezuela-cuba-military/ Imported repression: How Cuba taught Venezuela to quash military dissent]. ''Reuters''. Retrieved August 22, 2019.</ref> − − Maduro won re-election in 2018, despite banning major opposition parties from participating in the election<ref>Kew, Ben (December 11, 2017). [https://www.breitbart.com/national-security/2017/12/11/venezuelas-maduro-bans-opposition-parties-2018-election/ Venezuela’s Maduro Bans Opposition Parties from 2018 Election]. ''Breitbart News''. Retrieved January 13, 2019.</ref> and despite record low turnout and serious voter fraud allegations.<ref>Martel, Frances (May 21, 2018). [https://www.breitbart.com/national-security/2018/05/21/venezuela-maduro-reelected-with-record-low-turnout-rampant-fraud/ Venezuela: Maduro ‘Reelected’ with Record Low Turnout, Rampant Fraud]. ''Breitbart News''. Retrieved January 13, 2019.</ref> He started his second term despite the fact that about 60 countries did not recognize the election results.<ref>Multiple references: − *Adelmann, Bob (January 10, 2019). [https://www.thenewamerican.com/world-news/south-america/item/31153-venezuela-s-marxist-president-maduro-inaugurated-for-second-term Venezuela’s Marxist President Maduro Inaugurated for Second Term]. ''The New American''. Retrieved January 13, 2019. − *Suarez Sang, Lucia I. (January 10, 2019). [https://www.foxnews.com/world/venezuelas-maduro-starts-second-term-despite-worsening-economic-crisis-growing-international-isolation Venezuela’s Maduro starts second term despite worsening economic crisis, growing international isolation]. ''Breitbart News''. Retrieved January 13, 2019. − *Kew, Ben (January 10, 2019). [https://www.breitbart.com/national-security/2019/01/10/venezuelas-maduro-inaugurated-second-term-world-war/ Venezuela’s Maduro Inaugurated for Second Term: ‘We Are in a World War’]. ''Breitbart News''. Retrieved January 13, 2019. − See also: − *Adelmann, Bob (January 15, 2019). [https://www.thenewamerican.com/world-news/south-america/item/31193-pressure-building-to-remove-venezuela-s-marxist-dictator Pressure Building to Remove Venezuela’s Marxist Dictator]. ''The New American''. Retrieved January 15, 2019.</ref> Venezuela's parliament, now controlled by the opposition, attempted to remove Maduro from office.<ref>Mass, Warren (January 14, 2019). [https://www.thenewamerican.com/world-news/south-america/item/31183-venezuela-legislature-wants-maduro-out-brazil-recognizes-guaido-as-president Venezuela Legislature Wants Maduro Out; Brazil Recognizes Guaido as President]. ''The New American''. Retrieved January 14, 2019.</ref> On January 23, 2019, opposition leader Juan Guaidó, a socialist,<ref>Newman, Alex (February 7, 2019). [https://www.thenewamerican.com/world-news/south-america/item/31425-venezuela-replacing-brutal-socialist-with-more-socialism Venezuela: Replacing Brutal Socialist With More Socialism?] ''The New American''. Retrieved February 7, 2019.</ref> declared himself Venezuela's interim president and was recognized by several countries.<ref>Martel, Frances (January 23, 2019). [https://www.breitbart.com/latin-america/2019/01/23/venezuela-swears-in-opposition-leader-as-president/ Venezuela Swears In Opposition Leader as President]. ''Breitbart News''. Retrieved January 26, 2019.<br>See also: − *Martel, Frances (January 26, 2019). [https://www.breitbart.com/latin-america/2019/01/26/venezuela-new-president-is-a-socialist/ Maduro Regime, American Left Ignore Socialist Pedigree of Venezuela’s New President]. ''Breitbart News''. Retrieved January 26, 2019.</ref> − − Many experts and technicians fled the country. During electrical blackouts in 2019, which the government was incapable of restoring due to a lack of skilled personnel, [[Social Justice Warrior]]s began looting shops, stores, and malls. Despite Venezuela's guarantee of [[healthcare]] as a right, people contracted [[E. coli]] bacteria from contaminated water with no technicians to treat the water and a lack of medical personnel to treat the victims. − [[File:María Corina Machado.jpeg|thumb|[[María Corina Machado]], the main Conservative leader of Venezuela.]] − The situation in Venezuela demonstrated the importance of an armed citizenry – its population was disarmed and thus unable to free itself from Maduro's grip.<ref>Hawkins, Awr (April 30, 2019). [https://www.breitbart.com/politics/2019/04/30/msnbc-venezuela-coverage-shows-why-u-s-founders-wanted-armed-citizenry/ MSNBC Venezuela Coverage Shows Why U.S. Founders Wanted Armed Citizenry]. ''Breitbart News''. Retrieved May 1, 2019.</ref><ref>Byas, Steve (May 1, 2019). [https://www.thenewamerican.com/usnews/item/32167-msnbc-reporter-s-remarks-illustrate-need-for-right-to-keep-and-bear-arms MSNBC Reporter’s Remarks Illustrate Need for Right to Keep and Bear Arms]. ''The New American''. Retrieved May 1, 2019.</ref> Maduro used violent means to keep control of Venezuela.<ref>Adelmann, Bob (July 9, 2019). [https://www.thenewamerican.com/world-news/south-america/item/32799-venezuelas-maduro-employing-death-squads-torture-to-retain-control Venezuela’s Maduro Employing Death Squads, Torture to Retain Control]. ''The New American''. Retrieved July 9, 2019.</ref> According to the Venezuelan Prison Observatory in 2019, over 7,000 Venezuelans died in the country's prisons since 1999.<ref>Kew, Ben (July 26, 2019). [https://www.breitbart.com/national-security/2019/07/26/ngo-7000-venezuelans-died-prison-under-socialist-regime/ NGO: Over 7,000 Venezuelans Have Died in Prison Under Socialist Regime]. ''Breitbart News''. Retrieved July 26, 2019.</ref> − − Economists argued that Venezuela's economic collapse surpassed even those of the USSR and Zimbabwe, making it the worst economic collapse not due to warfare.<ref>Mikelionis, Lukas (May 18, 2019). [https://www.foxnews.com/world/venezuelas-socialist-regime-failure-is-the-worst-collapse-in-45-years-worse-than-end-of-soviet-union-economists-say Venezuela's socialist collapse is worse economic failure than Soviet Union, Zimbabwe, experts say]. ''Fox News''. Retrieved May 18, 2019.</ref> Even Venezuela's own central bank admitted the country experienced an economic meltdown under the Maduro regime.<ref>Hayward, John (June 3, 2019). [https://www.breitbart.com/national-security/2019/06/03/venezuelan-central-bank-admits-economy-crashing/ Venezuelan Central Bank Admits Economy Is Crashing]. ''Breitbart News''. Retrieved June 4, 2019.</ref> The country faced severe blackouts.<ref>Taylor, Luke (July 24, 2019). [https://www.theepochtimes.com/venezuela-struggling-with-new-wave-of-nationwide-blackouts_3015047.html Venezuela Struggling With New Wave of Nationwide Blackouts]. ''The Epoch Times''. Retrieved July 24, 2019.</ref> People resorted to using cigarettes as currency.<ref>Smith, Scott (October 24, 2019). [https://www.apnews.com/a79322863d6643038ef82bff7951e139 Venezuelans buy gas with cigarettes to battle inflation]. ''Associated Press''. Retrieved October 25, 2019.</ref> Maduro was forced to resort to using the currency of his main enemy – the United States – to keep Venezuela's economy from completely dissolving.<ref>[https://www.reuters.com/article/us-venezuela-economy/maduro-says-thank-god-for-dollarization-in-venezuela-idUSKBN1XR0RV Maduro says 'thank God' for dollarization in Venezuela]. ''Reuters''. November 17, 2019. Retrieved November 17, 2019.</ref> − − Venezuela's government sheltered Colombia's Marxist [[National Liberation Army (Colombia)|National Liberation Army]].<ref>Forero, Juan (July 14, 2019). [https://www.wsj.com/articles/venezuela-gives-colombian-rebels-free-rein-11563105600 Venezuela Gives Colombian Rebels Free Rein]. ''The Wall Street Journal''. Retrieved July 14, 2019.<br>See also: − *[https://www.reuters.com/article/us-venezuela-politics-usa/amid-colombia-rebel-rearmament-u-s-sees-support-from-maduro-official-idUSKCN1VL0FZ Amid Colombia rebel rearmament, U.S. sees support from Maduro: official]. ''Reuters''. August 31, 2019. Retrieved August 31, 2019.</ref> − − In July 2023, Machado was banned from holding public office for 15 years.<ref>{{Cite web |author=Alexander Busch |url=https://www.nzz.ch/international/venezuela-abkommen-zwischen-regierung-und-opposition-fuer-wahlen-ld.1761446 |title=Government and opposition in Venezuela agree on presidential elections - but clean elections are hardly possible |werk=nzz. ch |hrsg=Neue Zürcher Zeitung |date=2023-10-19 |access-date=2023-10-21}}</ref> After her replacement candidate [[Corina Yoris]] was also denied registration to run, [[Edmundo González]] now stands as the joint candidate of the opposition alliance [[Mesa de la Unidad Democrática]], who is also supported by Machado. <ref name="El País González">{{Cite web |author=Florantonia Singer |url=https://elpais.com/america/2024-04-20/edmundo-gonzalez-urrutia-el-candidato-que-no-queria-serlo.html |title=Edmundo González Urrutia, el candidato que no quería serlo |werk=El País |date=2024-04-20 |language=es |access-date=2024-04-25}}</ref> If she had been able to take part in the elections under regular conditions, she would have been certain to win according to various polls. <ref>{{Cite web |author=Katharina Wegner |url=https://www.ipg-journal.de/regionen/lateinamerika/artikel/zwei-gegen-maduro-7546/ |title=Two against Maduro |work=IPG-Journal |date=2024-06-04 |access-date=2024-06-10}}</ref> − − Machado supports Edmundo González candidacy for President in 2024 after she was banned. − {{clear}}
→History
Much of Venezuela's 19th century history was characterized by periods of political instability, dictatorial rule, and revolutionary turbulence. The first half of the 20th century was marked by periods of authoritarianism—including dictatorships from 1908–35 and from 1950-58. In addition, the Venezuelan economy shifted after the first World War from a primarily agricultural orientation to an economy centered on petroleum production and export.
Much of Venezuela's 19th century history was characterized by periods of political instability, dictatorial rule, and revolutionary turbulence. The first half of the 20th century was marked by periods of authoritarianism—including dictatorships from 1908–35 and from 1950-58. In addition, the Venezuelan economy shifted after the first World War from a primarily agricultural orientation to an economy centered on petroleum production and export.
Since the overthrow of Gen. Marcos Perez Jimenez in 1958 and the military's withdrawal from direct involvement in national politics, Venezuela has enjoyed an unbroken tradition of civilian democratic rule. This earned Venezuela a reputation as one of the more stable democracies in Latin America. Until the 1998 elections, the Democratic Action (AD) and the Christian Democratic (COPEI) parties dominated the political environment at both the state and federal level.
Since the overthrow of Gen. Marcos Perez Jimenez in 1958 and the military's withdrawal from direct involvement in national politics, Venezuela has enjoyed an unbroken tradition of civilian democratic rule. This earned Venezuela a reputation as one of the more stable democracies in Latin America. Until the 1998 elections, the Democratic Action (AD) and the Christian Democratic (COPEI) parties dominated the political environment at both the state and federal level.
==Famous Venezuelans==
==Famous Venezuelans==