Venezuela on the verge of a coup

15.04.2017

The pro-Western opposition is trying to provoke revolt and civil clashes in Venezuela.

A week of protests

The protests by liberals oriented towards the US and financed and technically aided by the West began a week ago. Over the course of the protests, attempts have been made to break into the office of the state oil company PDVSA and set the building of the Supreme Court on fire.

At the current moment, law enforcement has managed to block extremist groups. Dozens of rioters have been arrested. Nevertheless, the organizers are actively using social networks to incite anti-government sentiments. In connection with the critical socio-economic situation, the liberals are succeeding in mobilizing mass protests.

Economic problems

Venezuela is undergoing a serious financial crisis. Hyper-inflation of the national currency has gripped the country. At the same time, the state monopoly PDVSA is in a dire situation. This month, the company paid off almost $2.5 billion in debt, and bond markets began to worry about a possible default. According to Western agencies, investors expect the probability of a default to be over 50% over the next 12 months.

Geopolitics and Washington’s ressentiment

Venezuela is under US sanctions, and the Organization of American States, which is Washington’s creature, is trying to take advantage of any opportunity to worsen the crisis in Venezuela and provoke conflict with other South American states.

It must be noted that, in terms of geopolitical importance to the United States, Venezuela is second in the Caribbean region after Colombia. The US State Department’s most important goal is subordinating Caracas to its influence, as the pivot to the Left in South America and the increasing course towards multipolarity were largely thanks to Hugo Chavez. After the successful coup in Brazil through impeachment and the US’ installment of its man as president in Argentina, Venezuela represents the main focus of resistance in the region.

The 11-13 formula

Just recently, Venezuela celebrated the 15th anniversary of the failed coup attempt against Hugo Chavez. Back on April 11th, 2002, conspirators in the face of the right-wing oligarchs, with US consent and aid from several high-ranking officers, organized riots in Caracas and captured President Chavez. However, the next day, a huge number of people took to the streets demanding the return of the legitimate president. The National Guard also stood on the side of the people, and the coup failed. After Chavez’s return, he said what would become a famous phrase: “For every 11th, there’ll be a 13th.” In this case, the question is just how long the 12th will last and what sacrifices the government and patriotic citizens of Venezuela are ready to endure to defend the ideals of the Bolivarian Revolution.