Still trying to sort through the chaos and political intrigue, Venezuelans watch as their government attempts to recover from the April 11, 2002 coup to oust their democratically elected President Hugo Chávez. Chávez, who lost power for only about 48 hours, is continuing to maneuver through the fallout after being back in power for two weeks. Chávez has appointed a new Vice President, shuffled his cabinet, reassigned the leadership of the country’s state-run petroleum companies, all the while keeping a close eye on the military in an attempt to determine who did or did not remain loyal. Under a swirl of house arrests, possible court martials, untimely helicopter crashes and speculations about the origin of the coup, which include the possibility of unknown levels of support from Washington, Chavez has indicated his desire to reform government policies, paying particular attention to economic reform. The country is currently deeply divided between pro-Chavez supporters, (most of Venezuela’s poor majority) and businessmen, the middle and upper classes, as well as the Church. The military seems equally divided and is at the center of much of the drama of recent events.

News Stories:

"Chavez Shakes Up Cabinet and Promises New Policies,"
The New York Times, April 29, 2002

"MAS: Cambios de gabinete no resuelven problemas clave del gobierno,"
El Universal (Caracas), April 29, 2002

"As Fears Linger, Venezuelans Press for Truth About Killings During Chávez Protests,"
The New York Times, April 27, 2002

"Venezuelans Linked to Coup Attempt said to be in Miami,"
The Miami Herald, April 26, 2002

"The Unmaking of a Coup,"
The St. Petersburg Times, April 22, 2002

"Si quiere diálogo, que gobierne como un demócrata,"
El Nacional (Caracas), April 22, 2002

"Central sindical opositora exige cambio de gabinete a Chávez,"
Reuters, April 22, 2002