The Book
In praise of Blogging the Revolution
“Caracas Chronicles has been an indispensable source of lucidity and perspective in these turbulent times in Venezuela. Toro and Nagel have been right on target, without pretending to be ludicrously impartial; they have been able to rise above polarization, trying hard to make sense of an often implausible reality. Blogging the Revolution shows them at their best. If you are not already a fan, you will become one.”
- Francisco J. Monaldi, RFK Visiting Professor at Harvard Kennedy School and Director, Center on Energy at IESA in Caracas.Recent Comments
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Monthly Archives: October 2012
The red scissors are coming too
The upcoming paquetazo could be coming in more ways than one. After the Chavernment’s Finance Minister hinted at the possibility of future tax hikes, the National Assembly is now saying it could take a look at how to reduce the large … Continue reading
Posted in In Other News, Labor Movement, The Economy
15 Comments
MIA Report
It seemed only fair, back when I asked my wife if she’d move to Venezuela with me if Capriles won the election, to answer yes when she asked “but would you move to Japan with me if he lost?” Cunning, huh? … Continue reading
Is stupidity a pre-existing condition?
A few readers criticized me for implying, in a previous post, that the more educated you are, the less likely it is (or should be) that you are chavista. Putting aside the obvious correlation that leads me to this, I … Continue reading
Posted in Cuba
36 Comments
Giordani wants more of your money
Finance and Planning Minister Jorge Giordani said in an interview with State-owned newspaper Correo del Orinoco that according to him, Venezuelans don’t pay enough taxes: “It doesn’t reach 11% or 12% (of what the State taxation should be collecting). There’s … Continue reading
Posted in Chavismo, In Other News, The Economy
9 Comments
Hell is a Venezuelan bank
Last week was slow for me blogging-wise. Not because of a lack of ideas, mind you, but a lack of time. Sometimes everyday life meddles with the routine. But in this case, it turned it completely upside down. For once, … Continue reading
Posted in Blogging, The Economy, Venezuelan Culture
29 Comments
Major shake-up in Trujillo
Trujillo State Governor Hugo Cabezas announced that he has declined to run for a second term, even though he was endorsed by the comandante presidente himself weeks ago as his candidate. In a press conference, he acknowledged the lack of … Continue reading
Posted in Chavismo, Politics
20 Comments
Do it for Socorro
Socorro Hernández is one of those chavista creatures that really tick me off. I can sort of understand people like Aristóbulo Istúriz, or Freddy Bernal, or Elías Jaua, or Diosdado Cabello, or even Iris Varela being chavistas. Their backgrounds, their … Continue reading
Posted in CNE, Corruption, Justice System, Politics
51 Comments
The CNE pulls off a magic trick
Six of Chavismo’s candidates for State governorships in the the 16-D regional elections have something in common beside being chosen via “neurological primary”: they are not residents of the states where they were sent to run. In fact, they couldn’t … Continue reading
Posted in Chavismo, In Other News, Politics
9 Comments
Is Venezuela a democracy?
My latest over at Foreign Policy’s Transitions blog.
Posted in Chavismo
64 Comments
New budget = New military toys
The Chavernment presented this week its blueprint for the 2013 National Budget, which includes a huge total: 396.406 Millions of Bs. (33% higher than its predecessor). FONDEN and the other parallel funds will have no problem, as the price of … Continue reading
Posted in Military, The Economy
10 Comments
Road to 16-D Update
The final list of candidates for the December 16th regional elections, where we will elect Governors and State legislatures, is out. Even though Chavismo and the MUD are united in most states, both sides face splits in some important races. … Continue reading
Posted in Chavismo, Opposition, Politics
15 Comments
Another milestone for the revolution
The World Bank’s “Doing Business 2013” report just came out. It measures the favorability of different countries toward business, by putting together a series of indicators such as the ease of opening a business, getting hooked up to electricity, and … Continue reading
Posted in The Economy
28 Comments
The majority is coming for … your kids?
On the heels of a massive landslide, what does the ruling majority want? Well, none other than do away with private education as we know it. The government published a decree apparently abolishing Parent Associations at all schools – public … Continue reading
Posted in Education
15 Comments
Other Voiceless
I don’t think I’m the only one going through this but, over the last couple of weeks, I’ve found it harder and harder to write. It’s a disorienting experience – this sense that everything that might usefully have been said … Continue reading
Posted in Politics
39 Comments
The perfect campaign
Last Friday, I was honored to be mentioned (twice, no less) in the Op-Ed pages of El Universal, one of Caracas’ main newspapers. I thank Miguel Ángel Santos and Maruja Tarre, both of whom found my little rant on this … Continue reading
Posted in Politics
114 Comments
