Abuse of Power

Over a decade ago, President Hugo Chávez rose to power promising a moderate course in ending what he called the corruption of Venezuela’s old guard. Yet, it did not take long for Mr. Chávez to take off his mask of moderation and embark upon a radical path, compromising the integrity of Venezuela’s democracy and civil rights guarantees. By systematically striping the rights of his own people and silencing those who oppose him, President Chávez has transformed himself into yet another Latin American caudillo.

The radicalization of the Chávez government is ever intensifying. Since the February 2009 referendum to end presidential term limits – an election Mr. Chávez won by illegally mobilizing state resources – the Venezuelan strongman has escalated his rhetoric and actions against Venezuela’s free press, the private sector, and his political adversaries both at home and abroad. President Chávez’s leftist antics resemble those of the traditional authoritarian leaders infamous in Latin America, rather than those of modern and moderate politicians.

The Venezuelan government has sought to silence the opposition by persecuting and harassing political figures, whether they are elected officials or otherwise. Opposition governors in the states of Miranda and Zulia have seen their budgets significantly reduced by the federal government. Maracaibo Mayor Manuel Rosales was forced into exile after the federal government indicted him on questionable corruption charges, and Sucre’s Mayor Carlos Ocariz is often threatened with being stripped of his official duties.

It is becoming increasingly clear that while Hugo Chávez was democratically elected, he is using authoritarian means to crush any opposition to his government. In doing so, he is eroding civil liberties and the sanctity of private property, as well as banning all effective means of political discourse in Venezuela.