Hugo Chavez, For The Win:

http://www.reuters.com/article/2013/03/05/us-venezuela-chavez-obituary-idUSBRE92418X20130305

…snip…

Allies say Chavez was misunderstood abroad, the victim of an unstinting U.S.-led propaganda campaign.

…snip…

Business detractors said his socialist reforms, including the expropriation of rural estates and the nationalization of much of the economy, including multi-billion dollar oil projects, destroyed jobs and scared off investors.

A decade of high oil prices allowed Chavez to spend huge amounts on social programs that became the linchpin of his support among poor voters.

They included his famous slum “missions” that provided free healthcare and education, plus subsidized food, clothes and even electronics, and are likely to be his biggest legacy.

All of his political opponents have vowed to continue them, in some form or other.

and further confirmation:

http://www.csmonitor.com/World/Americas/2013/0306/What-is-Hugo-Chavez-s-legacy-in-Venezuela

Opposition candidates in the primary in the October 2012 presidential race all promised to continue Chávez’s emphasis on social inclusion – underscoring the fact that such a stance is considered essential to winning a race in Venezuela, or anywhere else in Latin America, today.