April 10, 2005
Teodoro Petkoff on President Chávez
Published by El Nuevo Herald

"Venezuelan Teodoro Petkoff is one of the keenest critics of President Chávez 's administration. As director of Tal Cual newspaper he drew an independent line, questioning the excesses of both government and opposition, winning a reputation of consensual man, and even as a potential presidential candidate to run against Chávez, which is a possibility he does not discard (.)

Do you agree with the opinion that Venezuela has implemented a government destined to perpetuate President Chávez in power?

I couldn't say that at this point. For now, what I see is that there is an intention in President Chávez's government to be reelected in 2006 in order to continue in a second presidential period, which is allowed by the Constitution. And of course,I do not have any evidence that would make me say the Constitution will be modified to allow indefinite reelection.

Do you think Chávez will radicalize his revolution, following the model of Castro?

No, I don't think so. I see a process that's different. An ambivalent process. Chávez moves with one foot on democracy, constrained both by the culture and democratic heritage of the country, an also constrained by the international environment. The other foot is set on autocratism (.)

Does Chávez's Revolution really have popular support?

Yes it does. It would be foolish to deny it (.)

What is the opposition's future?

In the meantime, it is a journey through the dessert without camels.

What is the extent of Castro's regime influence on Venezuela?

It is well known that between Chávez and Castro there is a very close personal bond. On one side Cuba receives Venezuelan oil under very advantageous conditions, a do all the countries in the Caribbean and Central America. On the other hand, Venezuela is receiving the presence of Cuban doctors and sports trainers, which is essentially what can be seen. But politically, what Venezuela has is not a Cuban model, neither politically or economically.

Could President Chávez be using oil wealth to finance armed movements in Latin America?

There is no evidence of that. Mr. Evo Morales of Bolivia certainly has bonds with Chávez and he probably receives his help, but that is common practice. International Socialist parties help each other. But Evo Morales has a clear electoral strategy, he is loking to win elections, not to raise in arms. And I think that's valid. Regarding the Colombian guerrilla, there is no evidence, none, that indicates Chávez has dishonest connections with them. In this sense, the State Department should review their policies towards Latin America. (.)

As director of a newspaper, have you felt the pressures of the new laws that restraint freedom of expression in Venezuela?

Not until now. Those laws have acted like induction factors, or perhaps the government expects them to induce certain self-censure. But to honour the truth, the media in Venezuela is not under to any type of censure. On the other hand, I keep the same tone I have always had (.)".