Political Behavior in Venezuela

 

In Corrales and Penfold-Bencerra’s “Venezuela: Crowding Out the Opposition” they walk us through Chavez’s rise and strategies not only to maintain but increase his political power. How even though his policies and governing is questionable, it was still being favored today through his successor Maduro. Even Chavez’s election before his death was not only democratic, but he won with a 63% vote in 2006. Even though his election was always democratic all of his actions showed a continuous shift from a democracy to authoritarianism. Chavez’s achieved control of all major institutions, which completely overruled any sort of check and balances, with no opposition he was able to do as he pleased. By weakening institutions, causing polarization, spreading fear, through the use of clientelism, cronyism and underspending to only mention a few, he strengthened himself by weakening the government and the people while empowering himself.

 

Due to the economic growth thanks to successful oil production,  he was able to remain on the good side of the public’s eye not only the elites but the poor as well. Opposition was ever present against Chavez’s rule but after many failed attempts the opposition always receded. With oil prices going down, its one resource, everything else unraveled. Proving the government so weak and corrupt that it cannot even cover its constituents basic needs. The situation in Venezuela became so dire that the people are flooding other countries in search of the supplies that they are not able to find at home. This recent unrest has come to reveal the corruption and inefficiency on which the government was built on. Chavez’s always ruled Venezuela as if it were under some kind of crisis because in such a state people are more willing to accept more radical changes. Their country changed right under their noses, and many have said: enough. A long battle awaits, and if they expect any lasting change. Political behavior must change not only within the government but with the people. They need to unify and find their way back from years of polarization, it needs to be a government that includes all and seeks to benefit all.