Chavez declares war on Venezulean businesses

Chavez said wealthy leaders of the country’s main business chambers “have declared economic war against me.”

“I accept the challenge,” Chavez said in a televised speech. “I declare myself at economic war and I call the people and the workers to economic war.”

He also warned Lorenzo Mendoza, president of food producer Empresas Polar: “If you think I won’t dare to nationalize Empresas Polar, you’re very wrong.”

Chavez has accused business leaders of attempting to worsen Venezuela’s economic troubles and weaken his political support. Business leaders deny it.

The oil-exporting country is struggling with 30 percent inflation and a deepening recession.

Only a socialist could somehow find a way to end up collapsing an economy selling one of the most crucial commodities in the world today.