Venezuelan Populist Governor Challenges Chavez
Venezuelan President Hugo Chavez has long been the standard bearer of leftist populism in South America, but there is another populist leader in the country who is leftist and connects with the crowds: Henri Falcon, the governor of a small state who is helping lead a breakaway political party against Chavez.
This Sunday, Falcon’s party may change the balance of power in congressional elections.
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Criticism From Chavez
Making such plans a reality will not be easy. Chavez retains popular support in many poor districts. And the president is constantly campaigning, his speeches televised in full on several state television channels.
On his weekly TV show, Chavez called Falcon a traitor and a coward. He also said Falcon is out to topple his government.
But the political reality in Venezuela is that Chavez is facing a challenge. Polls show that Venezuelans are tired of rampant crime, high inflation and food shortages. They also show that the president’s foes may stop Chavez’s allies from winning the two-thirds the government wants in Congress.
There is even a possibility that Chavez’s foes could eke out a majority –- particularly if Fatherland for All can win seven or eight seats.