Development Blogs.com

Chances that Venezuela starts functioning as a liberal democracy are unfortunately low. The executive and those who advocate for a Bolivarian revolution constantly threaten the rule of law, impartial justice, free elections and freedom of association, among other fundamental attributes of a liberal democracy. Last week’s events in the country show further consolidation of an electoral authoritarian regime. First, Hugo Chávez signed 26 laws that will not go through the National Assembly, Venezuela’s Congress. The president had the authority to draft and sign laws thanks to special powers granted by Congress earlier in 2007. The president’s legislative powers, according to congressman Mario Isea, aim at “improving people’s conditions”. The new laws,...

Despite the results of the referendum in which Venezuelans rejected President Chávez’s attempt to strengthen his constitutional grip over the economy and public institutions, the de facto government takeover goes on unfettered. The New York Times reports: Faced with shortages of foods, building materials and other staples, President Hugo Chávez is intensifying state control of the Venezuelan economy through a new wave of takeovers of private companies and the creation of government-controlled ventures with allies like Cuba and Iran. According to the government’s rhetoric, those steps are necessary to advance the vision of the 21st century socialism promising prosperity for all. But this lofty goal is foundering on the shoals of rampant inflation and shortages of basic consumer...