Who ever said that Hugo Chávez was a leftist? He is a mix of Fidel Castro and Perón: not a true revolutionary, but the promoter of a nanny-state paid for by the petro-dollar. A military man who organized a failed coup and, once in power, formed civil militias. A vain caudillo immersed in anti-American rhetoric.
Left-wing leaders like Lula da Silva in Brazil and Michele Bachelet in Chile are trying to transform their countries. They are true reformers who are bringing real alternatives to the liberal approach, some successful, others not. Their citizens are called to vote, choose and sanction the running of the country in free elections held under the careful watch of a free press.
Chavez came to power after decades of social democratic and demi-Christian governments that had taken turns, not in ruling Venezuela but in sacking public funds. Chavez initially found a positive response, especially among the poor, by presenting himself as the alternative to the old caste. Until last Sunday's referendum, there was no authentic opposition to him. Survivors of the old system were unable to regain popularity.
Today, however, a new opposition has been born. An energetic student movement has resurfaced. Old allies from the military camp, like the General Raúl Baudel and many from the left-wing parties like Podemos have abandoned him. Even the church has blessed this struggle. Although still an unorganized force, the seeds have been sown for a coalition that is proclaiming, Enough is enough!
Chavez’s biggest mistake was trying to perpetuate his mandate and tight-fisted control on regional administration. These are definitely not left-wing policies. Crime and corruption rise as always while even milk has become unaffordable in Caracas supermarkets.
This is not the beginning of the end of Latin American leftism, but a glimmer of light in the fall of a Latin American populist.
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