The World from Berlin: 'It Would Be Dangerous to Underestimate Chavez'

News Type: Opinion — Seeded on Tue Dec 4, 2007 8:58 AM EST

Article Source: SPIEGEL ONLINE

world-news, venezuela, chavez-electoral-defeat, game-not-over, paper-thin-majority

Venezuelans have voted by a paper-thin majority against President Hugo Chavez's plans to stay in power for life. His defeat in Sunday's referendum may compel him to listen more closely to the people, but some German commentators fear he may not be prepared to go quite so easily.

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4.7

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Marilyn L

More from the article, which includes views from both left and right.

"The defeat of the president can't hide one important fact: For a long time in Venezuela there has been no leading politician capable of attracting a majority and who could provide an alternative to Chavez. His opponents were only able to agree on a common position a few weeks before the referendum."

"The opposition has to be able to offer an alternative to the poor and the marginalized. A third of Venezuelans still support the president. He was the one who first gave them a voice and made them visible -- they would walk through fire for him. Many tough Chavez supporters are armed and would certainly defend their idol with force. That is why the students and the opposition politicians are asking the president for one thing: reconciliation and dialogue."

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2 votes

#1 - Tue Dec 4, 2007 8:59 AM EST

{"commentId":1240497,"authorDomain":"EPH289"}

EPH289

I am amazed at anyone who would think this guy would go quietly into the good night.

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1 vote

#2 - Tue Dec 4, 2007 11:35 AM EST

{"commentId":1241449,"authorDomain":"ntq"}

ntq

It's dangerous to underestimate anyone. i'm not personally in favour or against Chavez. However his recent effort to become life president sounds horrifying.

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3 votes

#3 - Tue Dec 4, 2007 4:19 PM EST

{"commentId":1241644,"authorDomain":"EPH289"}

EPH289

I agree.

Who was the last person to seek this kind of never ending power who had the best interests of anyone other than themself in mind?

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3 votes

#3.1 - Tue Dec 4, 2007 5:09 PM EST

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Loss Not All Bad for Venezuela's Chavez	Associated Press	Mon Dec 3	3
Chavez Humbled by Defeat	SBS	Mon Dec 3	3
Fear Of Chavez Is Fear Of Democracy - Greg Palast	gregpalast.com	Mon Dec 3	15
Chavez Loses Constitutional Vote	Associated Press	Sun Dec 2	11
Chavez Loses Constitutional Vote	Breitbart	Mon Dec 3	1

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The World from Berlin: 'It Would Be Dangerous to Underestimate Chavez'

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