In recent days, Venezuela has been rocked by large demonstrations and political turmoil. The protests began on January 23, when Venezuelans poured into the streets of Caracas (the capital) to mark the 52nd anniversary of their democratic revolution and also to protest against the failed, dictatorial policies of Hugo Chávez, which have produced electricity and water rationing, the worst inflation rate in the region, a deteriorating public health system, crumbling infrastructure, and high crime levels. (On Chávez’s watch, Caracas has become the most dangerous city in Latin America.)
While the government (predictably) organized its own counter-demonstration on January 23, the size and passion of the anti-Chávez protests was striking. According to the Associated Press, there were “tens of thousands” of protesters, many of whom were wearing T-shirts that said: “3 Strikes: Blackouts, Water Rationing and Crime. Chávez, You’ve Struck Out!” One protester told the AP that “Chávez is leading the country to ruin.”
