Venezuela’s Revolution Faces Crucial Battles
by Federico Fuentes
‘Decisive battles between the forces of revolution and counter-revolution
loom on the horizon in Venezuela.
The campaign for the September 26 National Assembly elections will be a
crucial battle between the supporters of socialist President Hugo Chavez
and the U.S.-backed right-wing opposition.
But these battles, part of the class struggle between the poor majority and the capitalist elite, will be fought more in the streets than at the ballot box.
So far this year, there has been an escalation of fascist demonstrations by
violent opposition student groups; the continued selective assassination of
union and peasant leaders by right-wing paramilitaries; and an intensified
private media campaign presenting a picture of a debilitated government in
crisis — and on its way out.
Chavez warned on January 29: “If they initiate an extremely violent
offensive, that obliges us to take firm action — something I do not
recommend they do — our response will wipe them out.”
The comment came the day after two students were killed and 21 police suffered bullet wounds in confrontations that rocked the city of Merida.
Chavez challenged the opposition to follow the constitutional road and a
recall referendum on his presidential mandate if they truly believe people
no longer support him.
Under the democratic constitution adopted in 1999, a
recall referendum can be called on any elected official if 20% of the
electorate sign a petition calling for one.
He said if the capitalists continued down the road of confrontation, he would “accelerate the revolution,” which has declared “21st century socialism” as its goal.
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