At the dawn of the new century, a so-called “Bolivarian” revolution began in Venezuela as President Hugo Chávez introduced his '21st century socialism'.

He promised an end to corruption and poverty, but what has become of his promises ten years down the line? Two Venezuelan women in the Netherlands are unable to agree.

Dreams for the new century

Ten years ago, a new Millennium began. Many of us were full of expectations, hopes and dreams.

Now, at the end of the Millennium's first decade, Radio Netherlands Worldwide finds out what has become of all those dreams...

Go to our dossier: http://www.rnw.nl/category/tags-english/dreams

Hugo Chávez was immensely popular when he came to power in 1999. The country was tired of the old political parties and their corrupt politicians. Chávez was a breath of fresh air; he was a counterforce who hailed in a new era. His Bolivarian revolution, named after the 19th century liberator Simon Bolivar, received support from both the left and right.
 
Nelys Velazquez was 39 years old at the time. She lived in the Netherlands and was so enthusiastic about the new leader that she returned to her country.

"As Venezuelans we had high hopes that the country would change. The most important thing was to combat corruption and poverty. I decided to go back. I am a cultural worker and thought: I can contribute to my country. I came back and was very happy because Chávez gave people hope."

Literacy
Chávez drew up a new constitution, nationalised the oil companies and used their revenues for social programmes. He put millions into education, literacy and subsidising food. He supported revolutionary movements and allies abroad. And strengthened his grip on the economy, legal system, army and media.
 
Hilda González saw it all happen. For the last three months she has been living in Haarlem with her Dutch boyfriend. But ten years ago, she studied law at the University of Caracas. There was widespread support for Hugo Chávez among students.

"Ten years ago there was a different situation in our country. There was less equality between Venezuelans, there were poor people who had nothing to eat and there were very rich people. Chávez had new ideas. He gave a charismatic speech about his dream, how Venezuela could be better."

About five years ago Chávez declared that the revolution was not just Bolivarian, but also a socialist one. He became radically anti-US and strengthened ties with like-minded leaders in Cuba and Iran. He bought weapons in Russia and China, nationalised strategic companies and banks and set up communes as a basis for a new form of ‘direct’ democracy.

Major improvements
Hilda González helps women integrate into the labour market. She saw big improvements in Venezuela, mainly in the area of poverty.

“Now the local hospital is free for instance. The schools are free for children and the universities are free. We no longer have extreme poverty because there are social programmes for these people. They are not rich, but they are less poor as a result."

However, a large section of the population has not seen any improvement. Corruption has increased and poverty may have been reduced but not more so than in other Latin American countries. Nelys Velazquez thinks Chávez is only president for the people who support him, others have no rights, she says.
 
“I don’t think Chávez is a socialist. I was there for two years, but I saw the poverty in the streets. Poverty among the Indians is just as widespread as it always was.

Are you disappointed?

"Deeply, because now it is: us and them, the Chávists and the opposition. And if you don’t have the right connections, you don’t get a job. You will be sidelined."

Dangerous lunatic
Chávez has been in power for ten years now. Around the world, everybody knows who he is, but opinions on him are divided. Some see him as a dangerous nutcase or simply a populist windbag; to others he is the founder of a new global socialism.  

As provocateur, charmer and the new leader of ‘the South’ Chávez makes the front pages with diatribes against the United States, unconventional behaviour and bizarre proposals. To an outsider he may be an amusing exotic phenomenon, but Venezuelans are profoundly affected at a personal level.  

Nelys watched her family grow deeply divided as they sided either with or against Chávez, and, deeply disappointed, eventually returned to the Netherlands a few years later.  

Younger generation
Things appear differently to Hilda. She belongs to a younger generation and believes that the new 21st century socialism has formed her.

After ten years of Bolivarian revolution, discord over the results is still growing. The economic crisis has induced Hugo Chávez to take further radical measures, such as the nationalisation of banks and the rationing of water and power. However, in political terms he is still solidly in control, to the extent that the past ten years may in future come to be regarded as Chávez’ first decade. To some, this would be a dream come true, to others a nightmare.

Photo: ANP