People queue to buy staple items in a Mercal, a subsidized state-run street market, in Caracas August 4, 2015. REUTERS/Carlos Garcia Rawlins
As the opposition makes arrangements to call a referendum on President Nicolas Maduro, the Venezuelan government has launched a preemptive strike that looks to reinforce the ailing Chavismo by rewarding loyalty.
Focused on securing power, the socialist ruling party will start issuing so-called “Bolivarian cards” – with not yet disclosed privileges – to its followers, as well as “socialist cards” loaded with a monthly allowance of approximately $70; that's 10 times the minimum wage in Venezuela.
The third tier of the survival strategy is a full-blown campaign with the motto that can be translated to “Nobody surrenders here” (“Aquí no se rinde nadie,” in Spanish).
Read more ....
WNU Editor: This reminds me of the old Communist membership card in the Soviet Union. It entitles you to receive preferred access to government services and goods, housing, medical care, etc., .... in short .... it is just a means for the government to reward supporters, and to punish those who are not. This type of system is also not workable in the long run. It creates bitterness and resentment, which in a place like Venezuela is certainly not going to placate the growing unrest in that country.
1 comment:
WNU,
You are lucky I think in that you did not have to learn any dance routines for May Day.
Post a Comment