Leader Moves To Dominate Civic Groups In Venezuela

This article from September 2000 shows Hugo Chavez’s attempt at using informal means to ensure his power and control over the government. The article explains that to begin his plan, Chavez wanted first to get rid of the largest labor union in Venezuela, the Venezuelan Worker’s Confederation (CTV) in order to start moving labor unions under the control of his “revolutionary” movement.

In the same article Venezuelan civic groups (human rights associations, religious groups and civic groups) are addressed. Chavez decided that these groups would not have a part in “participatory democracy” or in designating Supreme Court nominees anymore.

In consolidating labor unions under one “government dominated union” and not allowing civil groups to have any influence in decision-making, Chavez is constraining politics outside of formal institutions and is therefore able to hold on to and seize more power over the government.

 

http://query.nytimes.com/gst/fullpage.html?res=9A0DE1DD1E39F933A2575AC0A9669C8B63&sec=&spon=&pagewanted=all

 - Venezuela Group