Protests Against Hugo Chávez Reforms

Filed in archive Latin News on November 29, 2007

AP - Venezuelans Protest Chavez's Referendum

Hundreds of thousands of people flooded the streets of the capital Thursday to oppose a referendum that would eliminate term limits for President Hugo Chavez and help him establish a socialist state in Venezuela.

Blowing whistles, waving placards and shouting "Not like this!" the marchers carried Venezuelan flags and dressed in blue - the chosen color of the opposition - as they streamed along Bolivar Avenue.

"This is a movement by those of us who oppose a change to this country's way of life, because what (the referendum) aims to do is impose totalitarianism," said former lawmaker Elias Matta. "There can't be a communist Venezuela, and that's why our society is reacting this way."

The referendum will be decided next Sunday. Chávez, of course, says the reforms have nothing to do with totalitarianism but they are "necessary to give more of a voice to the people through community-based councils."

What does "community-based councils" have to do with indefinite presidential terms, is something that I don't get. But, as you know, I'm dumb.

Chavez will march in favor of the reforms tomorrow. I hope we won't see anything like the recent incidents in Bolivia. I really hope.