Why has Chavez become such a beacon for the left in Latin America and an enemy for imperialism?
Not just in Latin America, but increasingly in the global anti-capitalist movement. In January, at the World Social Forum in Porto Alegre, Brazil, he was cheered by the crowd, while Lula, the Brazilian president, was booed. Chavez and his Bolivarian revolution represent an alternative to neo-liberalism for millions of people. So what has he done to deserve this praise? The Chavez government is implementing land reform which has benefited thousands of peasants, a literacy programme which has already helped 1.5 million people, free education from primary to university level for the poor, an urban housing programme, free healthcare (delivered by 20,000 Cuban doctors) and subsidies on basic foods. Over 70 percent of Venezuelans have benefited from these reforms. How has he been able to do this? Oil, plus mass support. The US relies heavily on Venezuelan oil and the oil price is currently high. This would have previously only benefited the rich elite, but the Venezuelan government has sacke
