Hugo Chávez

Hugo Rafael Chávez Frías (born July 28, 1954) is the 61st and present President of Venezuela, having held that position since 1999. He was formerly the leader of the Fifth Republic Movement, a political party, from its foundation in 1997 until 2007, when he instead became the leader of the United Socialist Party of Venezuela (PSUV). Following his own political ideology of Bolivarianism and "Socialism for the 21st Century", he has focused on implementing socialist reforms in the country as a part of a social project known as the Bolivarian Revolution, which has seen the implementation of a new constitution, participatory democratic councils and the nationalisation of several key industries.

Hugo Chávez was once a soldier who embraced the ideas of socialism and Venezuelan nationalism, creating his own political belief known as Bolivarianism. With this idea in his mind, he created the Bolivarian Revolutionary Army and attempted a coup in 1992. The coup failed, however, and Chávez was captured, later holding a speech on state television in which he told his fellow comrades to put down their arms and avoid spilling any more blood. Despite this crime, Chávez was eventually released from prison and founded a peaceful political party to enter a truly democratic election, something Venezuela had lacked before Chávez entered politics. He won the election with a great majority, and immediately put his plan into work: to remake Venezuela into a wealthy and powerful socialist state, fighting against injustice and protecting the victims of imperialism. His Bolivarian revolution had now succeeded peacefully, which he didn't expect at first.

In 2002, a coup was attempted against him by his political opponents, possibly rallied by the United States. Chávez was out of office for only 47 hours, following protests by millions of Venezuelans against the military regime. After returning to power and removing corruption within the military and police force, his popularity increased even further, especially among the poor and the working classes of Venezuelan society. He introduced many new ideas that would see a major improvement in all national factors: industry, healthcare, education, aiding the poor, and removing corruption to a great extent. The only problem that have risen during his thirteen years in power, is an increase in criminality which could not be stopped by Chávez's government. This could be due to the illegal border-crossing from Colombia or something caused by the political opponents of Chávez.

During his time in power, Hugo Chávez has transformed Venezuela from a corrupt capitalist country into a growing, wealthy and equal state which is strictly anti-american and anti-imperialist in their foreign politics. After a trade embargo from the United States, Israel and many NATO countries, he made Russia and China his main suppliers of weapons and technology, respectively. He also maintain with close personal and political relations with countries such as Cuba, Vietnam, Iran, Bolivia, Nicaragua, North Korea, and Syria.

Personal details
Assumed office: 2 February 1999.

Preceded by: Rafael Caldera.

Born: 28 July 1954 (age 57); Sabaneta, Venezuela.

Nationality: Venezuelan.

Political party: United Socialist Party (2008-present).

Other political affiliations: Fifth Republic Movement (1997-2008).

Spouse(s): None.

Occupation: Military officer (to 1992) and politican.

Religion: Roman Catholicism.

Military service branch: Army.

Years of military service: 1971-1992.

Military rank: Lieutenant colonel.