Venezuelan President Hugo Chavez of Venezuela died Tuesday afternoon , losing his battle against cancer and leaving leaving behind a bitterly divided nation in the grip of a political crisis that grew more acute as he languished for weeks, silent and out of sight, in hospitals in Havana and Caracas.
Venezuela Vice president Nicolás Maduro who was in tears, announced the death of his president. As the news spread of the president’s death, commercial activities were shut and all major urban centers witnessed massive traffic jams. After the sun had set, somber crowds congregated in the main square of Caracas and at the military hospital, with men and women crying amid fears of those who are speculating a tug of war between factions for the highest office of Venezuela.
In one neighborhood, Chávez supporters set fire to tents and mattresses used by university students who had chained themselves together in protest several days earlier to demand more information about Mr Chávez’s condition. “Are you happy now?” the Chávez supporters shouted as they ran through the streets with sticks. “Chávez is dead! You got what you wanted!”
Chavez ruled over Venezuela for 14 years and after his departure, the future of his socialist revolution is in doldrums. Venezuela is the fourth largest exporter of crude oil to the US and Chavez was a leading voice that sought for reducing American influence in Latin America.
Chávez, 58, changed Venezuela in fundamental ways, empowering and energizing millions of poor people who had felt marginalized and excluded. But his rule also widened society’s divisions, and his death is sure to bring vast uncertainty as the nation tries to find its way without its central figure.
The Constitution says that, since Chávez was at the start of a term, the nation should “proceed to a new election” within 30 days, and Foreign Minister Elías Jaua said in a television interview that Mr Maduro would take the helm in the meantime. The election is likely to pit Mr Maduro, whom Mr Chávez designated as his political successor, against Henrique Capriles Radonski, a young state governor who lost to Mr Chávez in the presidential election in October 2012.
U.N. Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon:
“President Chavez spoke to the challenges and aspirations of the most vulnerable Venezuelans. He provided decisive impetus for new regional integration movements, based on an eminently Latin American vision, while showing solidarity toward other nations in the hemisphere. His contribution to the current peace talks in Colombia between the Government of President Juan Manuel Santos and the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia (FARC) has been of vital importance.
“The Secretary-General renews the commitment of the United Nations to work alongside the Government and the people of Venezuela in support of its development and prosperity.”
U.S. President Barack Obama:
“At this challenging time of President Hugo Chavez’s passing, the United States reaffirms its support for the Venezuelan people and its interest in developing a constructive relationship with the Venezuelan government. As Venezuela begins a new chapter in its history, the United States remains committed to policies that promote democratic principles, the rule of law, and respect for human rights.”
Former Venezuelan presidential candidate Henrique Capriles:
“In this difficult moment, we should demonstrate our profound love and respect to Venezuela! Unity of the Venezuelan family!”
Colombian President Juan Manuel Santos:
“It’s a great loss for Venezuela and for the region.
“For Colombia, and for me in particular, the loss of President Chavez has a special significance.
“Everyone knows we had many differences … But from the first days of my administration, we decided to put aside those differences to concentrate on the best interests of the people of Venezuela and the people of Colombia.”
Canadian Prime Minister Stephen Harper:
“Canada looks forward to working with (Chavez’s) successor and other leaders in the region to build a hemisphere that is more prosperous, secure and democratic.
“At this key juncture, I hope the people of Venezuela can now build for themselves a better, brighter future based on the principles of freedom, democracy, the rule of law and respect for human rights.”
Ecuadorian foreign ministry:
“The national government expresses its solidarity in light of this irreparable loss that puts the Venezuelan people and all the region in mourning and at the same time sends its heartfelt condolences to the family of the late champion of Latin America.”
British Foreign Secretary William Hague:
“I was saddened to learn of the death of President Hugo Chavez today. As President of Venezuela for 14 years he has left a lasting impression on the country and more widely. I would like to offer my condolences to his family and to the Venezuelan people at this time.”
Former U.S. President Jimmy Carter :
“President Chavez will be remembered for his bold assertion of autonomy and independence for Latin American governments and for his formidable communication skills and personal connection with supporters in his country and abroad to whom he gave hope and empowerment. During his 14-year tenure, Chavez joined other leaders in Latin America and the Caribbean to create new forms of integration. Venezuelan poverty rates were cut in half, and millions received identification documents for the first time, allowing them to participate more effectively in their country’s economic and political life.At the same time, we recognize the divisions created in the drive towards change in Venezuela and the need for national healing. We hope that as Venezuelans mourn the passing of President Chavez and recall his positive legacies — especially the gains made for the poor and vulnerable — the political leaders will move the country forward by building a new consensus that ensures equal opportunities for all Venezuelans to participate in every aspect of national life.”
U.S. Sen. Robert Menendez, chairman of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee:
“Hugo Chavez ruled Venezuela with an iron hand and his passing has left a political void that we hope will be filled peacefully and through a constitutional and democratic process, grounded in the Venezuelan constitution and adhering to the Inter-American Democratic Charter. With free and fair elections, Venezuela can begin to restore its once robust democracy and ensure respect for the human, political and civil rights of its people.”
U.S. Rep. Ed Royce, chairman of the House Committee on Foreign Affairs:
“Hugo Chavez was a tyrant who forced the people of Venezuela to live in fear. His death dents the alliance of anti-U.S. leftist leaders in South America. Good riddance to this dictator. Venezuela once had a strong democratic tradition and was close to the United States. Chavez’s death sets the stage for fresh elections. While not guaranteed, closer U.S. relations with (this) key country in our Hemisphere are now possible.”
Actor Sean Penn:
“Venezuela and its revolution will endure under the proven leadership of Vice President (Nicolas) Maduro. Today the United States lost a friend it never knew it had. And poor people around the world lost a champion. I lost a friend I was blessed to have. My thoughts are with the family of President Chavez and the people of Venezuela.”