Venezuela: Measures to protect the poor

Venezuelan President Hugo Chavez argued on March 27 that the economic measures his government has adopted, to confront the global economic crisis, contain "not one neoliberal element", unlike those adopted by the previous governments.

He guaranteed that he "will not allow the economic crisis to impact on the poorest people", said the March 28 Ultimas Noticias.

The measures included cuts in extravagant government spending, reductions in salaries of high-ranking public officials, an increase in value-added tax and an increase in public debt.

However, the minimum wage would be increased by 20%, and spending on public works and social programs would be maintained.

Chavez was addressing a large meeting of newly graduated teachers, where he stated: "While I am in the presidency, the income from oil and other sources will be for the people and not for the bourgeoisie, even though there remains a long way to go in the redistribution of the income."

He said that, on April 2, he would sign a document of resources for public works, housing and agriculture, which would demonstrate that the crisis had not affected the development of the country.

Meanwhile, the Socialist Workers' Front (FTS) announced on March 25 its support for the anti-crisis measures.

Spokesperson Osmal Acosta said the measures would guarantee the stability of conditions in the workforce, according to the March 26 Ultimas Noticias. He said: "This is a capitalist crisis. And the president has always criticised capitalism forcefully."

Acosta said the measures Chavez has taken, "with a socialist vision", will protect workers.

Acosta said that the representatives of Venezuela's largest business federation, Fedecamaras, who have criticised the government's measures, wanted the government to cut the social benefits for workers.

Acosta noted the argument made by the national council on business and services, Consecomercio, that the economic measures will bring businesses to bankruptcy. Acosta replied that the revolution was not aiming for bankruptcy, but to bury "this system of perverse capitalist life".

"Venezuela is prepared to confront whatever crisis occurs, and demonstrate that capitalism and that way of life is not possible on this planet."

From GLW issue 790