The Rise of Hugo Chavez and the fall of Venezuela

It is hard to believe that Venezuela, until 1999, was considered a very stable democracy with a growing economy in Latin America. Venezuela never faced the levels of depression and human right violations, and the lack of food and goods that it is experiencing today.

The rise of Hugo Chavez in Venezuela, with his demagogue talks about Socialism of the XXI century directed to the masses, and the elimination of multiple political parties in favor of the official party has been catastrophic.

Just like Hitler, Stalin or Mussolini did in their days, Hugo Chavez’s empty promises and handouts worked temporarily, but didn't solve the deep-seated problems of poverty and inequality in Venezuela.   Hugo Chavez demagogy, which emphasized in income redistribution, increasing wages by decree, and controlling prices artificially brought Venezuela's economy to its knees.
High oil income estimated to be about 250 billion dollars, during the last 14 years was pilfered or stolen by the government bureaucracy, military officers and bankers that do business with the government. In addition, the lack of accountability and transparency, which existed in the Chavez regime produced a level of corruption never seen before in Venezuela.

These problems compounded by Nicolas Maduro's incompetence, this past year in office, to solve the shortage of food, electricity and other problems inherited from the Chavez’s regime.

The Maduro administration has demonstrated to be incapable of solving the severe corruption, economic problems, and food shortage in the country. This past year the regimen resulted in oppressing dissidents while his government continues excluding significant portions of society from decision-making. The result is that Venezuela has become poorer and a more backward society.
February 2014 kicked off the most severe repression and human right violations that Venezuela has seen in 50 years which led to hundred of people being incarcerated, abused and tortured by the Maduro regime.

February 2015 may mark the end of the Socialism of the XXI and the return to democracy in Venezuela.