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December 2, 2008 12:02:34 PM CST

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Former Ally Now Rivals Chavez

Posted Dec 24, 07 6:05 PM CST in World 

(Newser) – An ex-ally has become a formidable rival for Hugo Chavez after the president's defeat in a constitutional referendum that would have given him more power and the right to unlimited reelection. The Wall Street Journal explores the career of Raul Baduel, Chavez’ former friend and defense minister, who protected Chavez from a coup in 2002 but now portrays himself as a guardian of democracy in Venezuela.

When Chavez faced defeat in a referendum on Dec. 2, Baduel appeared on television and implied that election fraud could spark civil war. Within the hour, Chavez admitted his first electoral loss ever—which some analysts call proof of Baduel's influence with the armed forces. A lover of Eastern philosophy who meditates and listens to Gregorian chants, Baduel refuses to rule out a professional "incursion into politics."

Source Wall Street Journal

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Former Venezuelan Defense Minister Raul Baduel answers a question during a news conference in Caracas, Monday, Nov. 5, 2007. Baduel, who was a longtime ally of President Hugo Chavez, harshly opposed constitutional...   (Associated Press)
Venezuela's former Defense Minister Raul Baduel speaks during a news conference in Caracas, Monday, Dec. 03, 2007. (AP Photo/Gregorio Marrero)   (Associated Press)
Venezuela's President Hugo Chavez waves upon his arrival at the closing ceremony of the IV Petrocaribe summit in Cienfuegos, Cuba, Friday, Dec. 21, 2007. (AP Photo/Dado Galdieri)   (Associated Press)
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Venezuela • Hugo Chávez • constitution • referendum • socialism • communism


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