Analysis: Participation

The National Assembly of Venezuela, in its final session before a neoliberal dominated opposition takes the helm of legislative power on January 5, passed one of the most progressive seed laws in the world on December 23, 2015; it was promptly signed into law by President Nicolas Maduro. On December 29, during his television show, “In Contact with Maduro, number 52,” Maduro said that the new seed law provides the conditions to produce food “under an agro-ecological model that respects the pacha mama

» read more

Greg Wilpert continues in his analysis of Sunday's National Assembly elections, noting that despite the current economic crisis the ruling socialist party has several factors in its favor, including its ongoing committment to social programs, a weak and divided opposition, and support from social movements. 

» read more

Ex-minister and leftwing Chavista dissident Hector Nevarro discusses the current economic and political crisis in Venezuela. Critiquing the corruption and lack of self-criticism marring the PSUV leadership, he calls for the Venezuelan people to send critical, revolutionary delegates to the National Assembly. 

» read more

While the shortages and long-lines are creating serious inconveniences and undeniable burdens on most Venezuelans, beyond the frustration, the voices of grassroots Venezuelans are getting lost beneath negative predictions of macroeconomic collapse. In this oral history collage, members of the Venezuelan grassroots and popular movements speak for themselves about the roots of the economic war, their strategies in the face of it, and the solutions that they propose.

» read more

Telesur’s Rachael Boothroyd interviews vanguard activists who dedicated their lives to the struggle for democracy during the era that preceded Hugo Chavez. Their testimonies recall aerial bombardments and routine disappearances of students and activists, while their actions today highlight the importance of preserving collective memory.

» read more

Early last month, five men were shot dead in a high-rise building at the center of Caracas during an early morning standoff between special intelligence police (CICPC) and armed members of revolutionary collectives. While the circumstances leading up to the event are still unclear, the so-called Quinta Crespo Massacre created a ripple effect within the Venezuelan left that quickly highlighted a growing rift between the revolutionary left and the Bolivarian government.

» read more