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Background 1989 – 1993 Presidency of Carlos Andres Pérez. Country plagued by economic depression, which mandated an austerity program under the direction of the International Monetary Fund. 1989 The Caracazo – Social and political upheaval against Neo-Liberal economic reforms, such as increased taxes on public services and the progressive elimination of import taxes. This results in riots, which are put down by the military. Up to 5,000 people die. 1992 Two failed coup attempts against President Pérez. The February attempt was led by Lieutenant Colonel Hugo Chávez Fríaz. The November uprising is led by a small number of general-staff officers in the navy and army. Chávez is jailed for two years before being pardoned. 1993 President Carlos Andrés Pérez is impeached and removed from office on charges of corruption. Ramón José Velásquez becomes leads the transitional government. 1994 – 1999 Presidency of Rafael Caldera. 1994 President Caldera pardons Hugo Chávez. 1996 Carlos Andrés Pérez is imprisoned after being found guilty of embezzlement and corruption. 1998 Hugo Chávez is elected president. 1999 New constitution is drafted and approved in a national referendum. Caracas is subject to a natural disaster. Thousands die. 2000 Hugo Chávez elected president under new constitution for a six-year term. 2001 Main business association calls one-day strike in protest against Chávez’ economic reforms. 2002 Chávez appoints (February) new board of directors for Petróleos de Venezuela (PDVSA) in a move to gain greater control of the agency. April – a general strike is declared. This ends with the temporary coup of Chávez. Military leaders name Pedro Carmona, one of the strike organizers, as head of transitional government. Two days later Chavez returns to office after violent protests for his return. December – An opposition strike cripples the oil industry, while organizers continue to demand that Chávez resign. This leads to fuel shortages. 2003 Nine-week general strike ends, with most businesses reopening. Chávez administration and opposition leaders agree to a referendum on Chávez’ rule. 2004 Several people killed and many injured in clashes between opponents and supporters of Chávez after National Electoral Council announces that there are 1.1 million signatures whose validity is in dispute. In june, election officials issue statement that the opponents of Chávez have gathered enough signatures to force a referendum. Chávez wins august referendum. 2005 Chavez opens a national television channel as an alternative to the otherwise privately dominated media. . Spain agrees to a £1.2 billion defense deal with Chávez. December – Chavez’ allies win a landslide victory in congressional elections. 2006 Ken Livingstone makes deal with Chávez for oil for London busses. Chavez is re-elected in a landslide victory. 2007 Violent protests by Chávez’ opposition in Caracas following the non-renewal of RCTV television station. |
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Pro Chavez sites: http://www.handsoffvenezuela.org/ http://www.venezuelasolidarity.org.uk/
Anti Chavez site: |
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