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Latin Neighbors Mistrust Chavez

'Chavismo' unloved in region, which is making democratic strides

By Jonas Oransky, Newser Staff

Posted Sep 19, 2007 2:06 PM CDT

(Newser) – Hugo Chavez's regional popularity is largely hot air, a Pew survey shows, concluding that the Venezuelan president is “widely mistrusted.” In large numbers, Latin Americans also agree that “most people are better off in a free market economy”—including 72% of Chavez’s countrymen, Weekly Standard’s Duncan Currie notes.

The right-leaning writer says Chile and Brazil are experiencing major economic growth sans Chavez-style socialism; Currie is careful to note the democrats leading those countries are “leftists.” And Chavez's acolytes in Bolivia and Ecuador rose to power not on ideology but “on practical grievances”: Their countries are the poorest. Pew also saw the US' image “eroding” throughout Latin America.

Venezuela's President Hugo Chavez greets prior to deliver a speech at the National Assembly in Caracas, Wednesday, Aug. 15, 2007. Venezuela's Congress gave initial approval to President Hugo Chavez's... (Associated Press)

In this image released by Venezuela's Miraflores Press Office, President Hugo Chavez speaks during his weekly radio and television program in Caracas, Sunday, Aug. 19, 2007. Chavez announced the acquisition... (Associated Press)

In this photo released by Miraflores Press Office, Venezuela's President Hugo Chavez flights over the Caroni river near Puerto Ordaz, Venezuela, Sunday, Sept. 9, 2007. (AP Photo/Miraflores Press Office) (Associated Press)

In this photo released by Miraflores Press Office, Venezuela's President Hugo Chavez, left, speaks with Bolivia's President Evo Morales near Puerto Ordaz, Venezuela, Sunday, Sept. 9, 2007 during Chavez's... (Associated Press)

In this photo released by Miraflores Press Office, Venezuela's President Hugo Chavez jokes with children at a meeting with members of his party in Caracas, Saturday, Sept. 8, 2007. Chavez said that the... (Associated Press)

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Latin Neighbors Mistrust Chavez

'Chavismo' unloved in region, which is making democratic strides

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Latin America • Venezuela • Brazil • Bolivia • Chile • Ecuador • Simon Bolivar • Hugo Chávez

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Chile Prez Slammed for Summit Sexist Joke

Pinera's CELAC remarks were 'prehistoric,' opposition says

Eva Peron Helped Nazis, Hid Jewish Treasure: Book

And Simon Bolivar was a racist, it alleges

Still Kicking: Chavez, Castro on Cuban TV

Chavez looks healthy in new video and pictures

Rumors Swirl About Hugo Chavez's Health

Venezuela leader has been low-profile since surgery in Cuba on June 8

Bolivia to Chile: Give Us Sea Access or We'll Sue

Landlocked country aims to regain access after 132 years

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Latin Neighbors Mistrust Chavez

'Chavismo' unloved in region, which is making democratic strides

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OTHER STORIES ON OUR RADAR

Latin America • Venezuela • Brazil • Bolivia • Chile • Ecuador • Simon Bolivar • Hugo Chávez

MOST POPULAR STORIES

[ By Views ]

[ By Comments ]

More Newser Stories

Chile Prez Slammed for Summit Sexist Joke

Pinera's CELAC remarks were 'prehistoric,' opposition says

Eva Peron Helped Nazis, Hid Jewish Treasure: Book

And Simon Bolivar was a racist, it alleges

Still Kicking: Chavez, Castro on Cuban TV

Chavez looks healthy in new video and pictures

Rumors Swirl About Hugo Chavez's Health

Venezuela leader has been low-profile since surgery in Cuba on June 8

Bolivia to Chile: Give Us Sea Access or We'll Sue

Landlocked country aims to regain access after 132 years

About Us

Site

Newser By Users

Community

Site Maps

Tools

More News

What is Newser?