“Por Ahora”: Chávez in Venezuela

Hugo Chávez was president and dictator of Venezuela for fourteen years (1999-2013) in what is considered the “Neoliberalism and Beyond” time period in Latin American history. Chávez mobilized the military to help remain in—and return to—power (after a failed coup attempt both as his initial grab at the executive, and later when opposition tried to remove him from his position). His control of the legislature, after executive rule-by-decree was implemented, allowed him to enact laws and regulations for his socialist political movement modeled after Simón Bolívar. He employed nationalism in his campaigns and economic policy. Chávez nationalized businesses, making them extensions of the state, most notably with the country’s oil industry.  He also made moves to censor the press and freedom of speech. Although his goals fluctuated much like his view in the public eye, at times he had a very devoted following.

His short, televised “Por Ahora” (“For Now”) speech was given shortly after his initial failed coup d’état. Although completely improvised, the strong rhetoric speaks of brotherhood and hope. It reached a frustrated public who saw Venezuelan politics and politicians as corrupt and irredeemable. Since Chávez was on his way to prison, his words about a defeat “for now” made him appear more of a hero or martyr than a criminal, as though he lost only a battle in a war against evil. This attitude boosted his popularity with the Venezuelan people, which ultimately pressured the government to release him from prison.

Works Cited

Chasteen, John Charles. Born in Blood and Fire. 4th edition. New York: W.W. Norton, 2016

fobioh. “‘Por Ahora’ – Hugo Chavez 4 De Febrero 1992 (Con Subtítulos En Inglés).” YouTube. YouTube, March 27, 2009. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iKcoFPsoKLU

Nelson, B. A.. “Hugo Chávez.” Encyclopedia Britannica, March 1, 2021.