Tuesday, December 2, 2008

He is at it again

While no one is likely surprised at the attempt, the only real question is "why try this now?"

Yes, that fan-favorite Hugo A-go-go, er... President Hugo Chavez of Venezuela, has once again called for a Constitutional Referendum to allow him to stay President-for-life.

There are all sorts of reports of potential new bank nationalizations and unpaid civil employees circulating right now. Could it be that he sees the window of opportunity about to close?

2 comments:

Marie said...

I suppose oil at $30 a barrel is scary, even for Chávez. How will he fare if he can't even bribe people with refrigerators because of a fast emptying kitty!!! He has to do it now while he can still claim that he has the people's support after winning 17 States in the last election. He still controls the numbers because he controls the CNE and he can pretty much push anything he wants through with the submissive National Assembly and padded Supreme Court. He has to do it now while his real followers are still on his side and those that fear for their jobs still think he can wield a huge machete and get rid of all those government jobs and/or contracts that they are dependent upon. No one can tell what will happen, but from experience, even in his current derangement, he is most dangerous when cornered, and cornered he is.

L.Douglas Garrett said...

Agreed.

The first challenge has already failed: It was pointed out that only one attempt at Constitutional Revision is allowed in a given term in office; The new referendum call was then quickly relabeled as "an Amendment".

So clearly the game is on.