07//05/09
Ambassador Moncada talks about Venezuelan political history and economy at LSE

The centre for the study of international affairs, diplomacy, and grand strategy at LSE, known as LSE IDEAS, discussed the socio-economic and political achievements of the Bolivarian Revolution.  The seminar was chaired by Professor Arne Westad and included contributions from the Venezuelan Ambassador in London, Samuel Moncada, and author and Lecturer from the University of Bradford, Julia Buxton.

The Ambassador opened the conference presenting LSE with a collection of Venezuelan films which the Ambassador described as “a mixture of political and non-political”. He also presented them with a variety of books written about the Bolivarian Revolution.

During his intervention the Ambassador touched on many topics regarding the Bolivarian Revolution, but before doing so he described past historical events which have taken place in Venezuela. These processes have been the reason why Venezuela today is more revolutionary than ever.

His Excellency also pointed out that Venezuela’s previous problems were due to the lack of social justice and the misuse of Venezuelan natural resources, such as oil. But for the first time in Venezuelan history oil has been used to incorporate social justice and give rights to everybody. “Oil is a weapon for mass mobilisation and organising the Venezuelan nation”, said Ambassador Moncada.

The Ambassador also discussed about how the Bolivarian Revolution prevailed after the failed coup of 2002 which became the main take off point for the Chavez government, which signalled the true beginning for democracy in Venezuela.

“For the first time in Venezuelan history we have undergone so many constitutional changes. Under the Chavez administration, minority groups such as the Indigenous people and the Afro-Venezuelans have also gained rights. This is the goal that Venezuela has been trying to achieve for more than 200 years”, said the Ambassador on democracy.

Professor Buxton spoke about how Venezuela is undergoing a process of social change and equality.  
“People do not support Hugo Chavez for economic or non-economic reasons. The reason why people support Chavez is because he has fulfilled his promises and is helping his country”, said Buxton.

At the end of the talk people asked questions regarding economic issues and foreign affairs.

Embassy of the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela Press Office