| − | [[Image:chavez.jpg|175px|right|thumb|Hugo Chavez]]'''Hugo Chávez''' (b. July 28, 1954) is the repressive [[dictator]] of the Bolivarian Republic of [[Venezuela]]. Chávez assumed power as President in 1998 and pledged to aid Venezuela's poor majority. Elections were held in 2000 and in 2006 Chavez was retained power. Chávez has launched Bolivarian Missions, whose alleged goals are to combat disease, illiteracy, malnutrition, poverty, and other "social ills". Chávez openly encourages alternative models of economic development than those of "United States' Capitalism". | + | [[Image:chavez.jpg|175px|right|thumb|Hugo Chavez]]'''Hugo Chávez''' (b. July 28, 1954) is the president of the Bolivarian Republic of [[Venezuela]]. Chávez assumed power as President in 1998 and pledged to aid Venezuela's poor majority. Elections were held in 2000 and in 2006 Chavez was retained power. Chávez has launched Bolivarian Missions, whose alleged goals are to combat disease, illiteracy, malnutrition, poverty, and other "social ills". Chávez openly encourages alternative models of economic development than those of "United States' Capitalism". Although living standards have risen in Venezuela since Chavez has come to power, his opponents accuse him of being a dictator because he has censored free speech, particularly in the media. |