22nd January 2020
Musings.......
2019 was a year of protests and most notable of them were the Latin American. Also called Primavera Latinoamericana or The Latin American Spring, these protests have rattled institutions and corrupt governments. Even thought that part of the world is not oblivious to protests against establishment, what stands out this time is the spontaneity of the protests with immediate triggers being trivial to say the least.
Venenzuela
Most well known country from the Latin Americas, especially all the way down here in Kerala. We have had our Communist Finance Minister emulating Venenzuelan Schemes in Keralas budget at one time. Malayalis fixation with Communism, the everlasting fight against the Bourgeois and the emancipation of the proletariat - a dream which seems to have lost its way- finds solace in giving examples from far away Cuba and Venenzuela for prestige. However, the state of those countries and its impoverished people do not give us any hope. Nonetheless I do not wish my fellow Malayalis to jump from the Political Left to the Right, as further demons await you there. Like our Union Home Minister so cheekily says “ Aap Chronology Samjhiye” !!
Coming back to Venenzuela, all was good when Hugo Chavez was at the helm, communism was budding and State controlled oil industry gave much promise. Then came Destiny in the form of Cancer and within 6 months of diagnosis, his anointed successor Nicolas Maduro was taking oath.
Now Nicolas Maduro have much hope and promise. He was supposed to carry forward the Bolivarian dream of Hugo Chavez. However, since it’s not a fairy tale, that was not to happen. Maduro Government turned out to be corrupt, mismanaged the economy so much so that Inflation rates were 200%. People started migrating to nearby Columbia for lack of basic necessities. It seemed all but over, when leader of the National Assembly Juan Guaidò came into picture. In a failed coup, supported by USA, Guaidò tried to usurp power. However, Madurò brought out his trump card- Oil and with Russian support still hangs onto power, amidst anarchy.
The mass migrations is one of the largest forced displacements of people in the Western Hemisphere.
According to Bloomberg website - the price of a cup of coffee in the capital city, Caracas showed an increase of 9,900% between 8th January 2019 and 9th January 2020. I sincerely hope with State Budgets round the corner, the Communist Government of Kerala find inspiration elsewhere - just that there is nowhere to look for - most communist regimes have collapsed around the world with the exception of maybe say Cuba.
Brazil
Brazil is a country that has similarities to India. South Americas most influential country, a rising economic power and one of the worlds biggest democracy. A former Portuguese colony, Brazil has a diverse population including indigenous Americans, descendants of African Slaves and European settlers.
Left leaning Lula Inacio Lula de Silva, became President in 2002. His successor Dilma Rousseff was removed after an impeachment trial found her guilty of financial irregularities. In the meantime Lula too gets imprisoned for corruption charges, which now we get to know was fabricated and the Judge including were found guilty.
In the meantime far Right former army officer Jair Bolsnaro becomes President and things starts taking a downward spiral. By turning a blind eye to Amazon forest fires which destroyed almost half of it, benefitting Multinational companies and business, ongoing instances of misogyny, homophobia, and racism - have contributed to further polarisation. One of the reasons he won, was issue of poor economic prospects and frustration felt by the middle class Brazilians. Dubbed the Brazilian Trump, Jair Bolsnaro has proved true to his word and is offering a sellout of his country to MNCs. We could see him up close this Republic Day, when he stands besides our own Prime Minister as the Chief Guest. When Right met Right could be a good caption !
Bolivia
After days of protests following disputed Presidential election results of October 2019, President Evo Morales resigned. He complied after the Army Generals made military request for his resignation public. The situation turned so toxic, that the Government of Mexico offered political asylum to Morales, which he accepted.
The second Vice President of the Senate Jeanine Aneź, assumes the role of President in November being next in line to Presidency after a string of resignations of all close to Morales.
Morales and his people consider the event a coup d’état.
On December 4th the Organisation of American States released its final report relating to October election - as “deliberate” and “malicious” tactics to rig that election in favour of President Morales.
The OAS audit and Military leaving him, forced Evo Morales into exile.
If you thought that was the end of it, you will be mistaken. Now anti- Aneź protests started, by supporters of ousted President Morales. A civil war kind of situation existed. Presently Aneźs government has promised that in order to restore faith in the electoral process, a vote would be first held to elect a new Electoral Commission, before having a new vote for President.
Chile
In response to a raise in the Santiago Metros subway fare, Civil Protests broke out. It soon turned into a protest against increased cost of living, privatisation, and inequality prevalent in the country.
President Sebastian Pìnera announced a state of Emergency. Almost 30 people have died, nearly 2500 injured and 2900 have been arrested. Reports of human rights violations of security forces have come up. President Pinera changed eight ministers in October to pacify the protesters and have now agreed to call a National referendum in April 2020 regarding the creation of a new constitution.
Peru
Following President Martin Vizcarras decision to dissolve congress, protests erupted and prompted rebel lawmakers to suspend him and appoint another leader.
Vizcarra too over Peru’s presidency in 2018 after former President Pedro Pablo Kuczynski resigned amid accusations of accepting $4 million from Brazilian firm Oberbrecht. Also former Peruvian President Alan Garcia died from a self inflicted gunshot wound to head whenPolice was trying to arrest him and another ex- President was arrested in California on an extradition order.
Presently, the Vice President who has stepped up to lead the country, also renounced her position. This has led the country into constitutional and political crisis.
Parliamentary elections are scheduled for January 26 and the political implications are such that the latest developments heighten the risk of a radical, anti- establishment candidate winning the 2021 election. We will have to wait and watch.
Ecuador
A series of protests and riots erupted against austerity measures including the cancellation of fuel subsidies by President Lenin Moreno. Anti- government protesters overrun the capital city Quito, so much so that President Moreno had to relocate his capital to coastal city of Guayaquil. The President causes his predecessor Rafael Correa of orchestrating a coup against the government with the help of Venenzuela.
After much negotiations fuel subsidies were restored. However fresh allegations of opposition persecution since the anti- austerity protests stopped haze come up. The nation remains in tenterhooks.
Paraguay
The global anti corruption watchdog Transparency International describes the country as “ monolith in the study of corruption”. Paraguans have introduced new weapons into the battle against corruption - Toilet paper and Eggs.
Public humiliation of government officials started when responsible institutions were not responding.
The landlocked country has a long history of conflicts, resolutions, and coup d’état followed by 35 year rule under Gen. Alfredo Stroessner. His famous words were “ Corruption is the price for peace” !!
Present President Mario Abdos father was the dictators personal secretary.
If the ongoing battle against corruption works, then Paraguay will be called “ monolith in the study of overcoming corruption”.
Uruguay
Uruguayans are also on the streets. Protests were against a proposed security reform. However when protests elsewhere turned violent, in Montevideo the capital, it was peaceful and organised. The conservative Government would face a tough fight in next General elections against the main opposition, the Leftists. At least for now Uruguan protests seem peaceful.
Argentina
Protesters gathered in Buenos Aires demanding government to take more actions to aid the poor- in times of deep economic crisis.
So what lesson do we learn from Latin America. The writing on the wall is not for us, but for the Modi Government- which reads - never underestimate the power of the common man !!
Food for Thought
RC
rohitchennithala.blogspot.com
rohitchennithala.home.blog
2019 was a year of protests and most notable of them were the Latin American. Also called Primavera Latinoamericana or The Latin American Spring, these protests have rattled institutions and corrupt governments. Even thought that part of the world is not oblivious to protests against establishment, what stands out this time is the spontaneity of the protests with immediate triggers being trivial to say the least.
Venenzuela
Most well known country from the Latin Americas, especially all the way down here in Kerala. We have had our Communist Finance Minister emulating Venenzuelan Schemes in Keralas budget at one time. Malayalis fixation with Communism, the everlasting fight against the Bourgeois and the emancipation of the proletariat - a dream which seems to have lost its way- finds solace in giving examples from far away Cuba and Venenzuela for prestige. However, the state of those countries and its impoverished people do not give us any hope. Nonetheless I do not wish my fellow Malayalis to jump from the Political Left to the Right, as further demons await you there. Like our Union Home Minister so cheekily says “ Aap Chronology Samjhiye” !!
Coming back to Venenzuela, all was good when Hugo Chavez was at the helm, communism was budding and State controlled oil industry gave much promise. Then came Destiny in the form of Cancer and within 6 months of diagnosis, his anointed successor Nicolas Maduro was taking oath.
Now Nicolas Maduro have much hope and promise. He was supposed to carry forward the Bolivarian dream of Hugo Chavez. However, since it’s not a fairy tale, that was not to happen. Maduro Government turned out to be corrupt, mismanaged the economy so much so that Inflation rates were 200%. People started migrating to nearby Columbia for lack of basic necessities. It seemed all but over, when leader of the National Assembly Juan Guaidò came into picture. In a failed coup, supported by USA, Guaidò tried to usurp power. However, Madurò brought out his trump card- Oil and with Russian support still hangs onto power, amidst anarchy.
The mass migrations is one of the largest forced displacements of people in the Western Hemisphere.
According to Bloomberg website - the price of a cup of coffee in the capital city, Caracas showed an increase of 9,900% between 8th January 2019 and 9th January 2020. I sincerely hope with State Budgets round the corner, the Communist Government of Kerala find inspiration elsewhere - just that there is nowhere to look for - most communist regimes have collapsed around the world with the exception of maybe say Cuba.
Brazil
Brazil is a country that has similarities to India. South Americas most influential country, a rising economic power and one of the worlds biggest democracy. A former Portuguese colony, Brazil has a diverse population including indigenous Americans, descendants of African Slaves and European settlers.
Left leaning Lula Inacio Lula de Silva, became President in 2002. His successor Dilma Rousseff was removed after an impeachment trial found her guilty of financial irregularities. In the meantime Lula too gets imprisoned for corruption charges, which now we get to know was fabricated and the Judge including were found guilty.
In the meantime far Right former army officer Jair Bolsnaro becomes President and things starts taking a downward spiral. By turning a blind eye to Amazon forest fires which destroyed almost half of it, benefitting Multinational companies and business, ongoing instances of misogyny, homophobia, and racism - have contributed to further polarisation. One of the reasons he won, was issue of poor economic prospects and frustration felt by the middle class Brazilians. Dubbed the Brazilian Trump, Jair Bolsnaro has proved true to his word and is offering a sellout of his country to MNCs. We could see him up close this Republic Day, when he stands besides our own Prime Minister as the Chief Guest. When Right met Right could be a good caption !
Bolivia
After days of protests following disputed Presidential election results of October 2019, President Evo Morales resigned. He complied after the Army Generals made military request for his resignation public. The situation turned so toxic, that the Government of Mexico offered political asylum to Morales, which he accepted.
The second Vice President of the Senate Jeanine Aneź, assumes the role of President in November being next in line to Presidency after a string of resignations of all close to Morales.
Morales and his people consider the event a coup d’état.
On December 4th the Organisation of American States released its final report relating to October election - as “deliberate” and “malicious” tactics to rig that election in favour of President Morales.
The OAS audit and Military leaving him, forced Evo Morales into exile.
If you thought that was the end of it, you will be mistaken. Now anti- Aneź protests started, by supporters of ousted President Morales. A civil war kind of situation existed. Presently Aneźs government has promised that in order to restore faith in the electoral process, a vote would be first held to elect a new Electoral Commission, before having a new vote for President.
Chile
In response to a raise in the Santiago Metros subway fare, Civil Protests broke out. It soon turned into a protest against increased cost of living, privatisation, and inequality prevalent in the country.
President Sebastian Pìnera announced a state of Emergency. Almost 30 people have died, nearly 2500 injured and 2900 have been arrested. Reports of human rights violations of security forces have come up. President Pinera changed eight ministers in October to pacify the protesters and have now agreed to call a National referendum in April 2020 regarding the creation of a new constitution.
Peru
Following President Martin Vizcarras decision to dissolve congress, protests erupted and prompted rebel lawmakers to suspend him and appoint another leader.
Vizcarra too over Peru’s presidency in 2018 after former President Pedro Pablo Kuczynski resigned amid accusations of accepting $4 million from Brazilian firm Oberbrecht. Also former Peruvian President Alan Garcia died from a self inflicted gunshot wound to head whenPolice was trying to arrest him and another ex- President was arrested in California on an extradition order.
Presently, the Vice President who has stepped up to lead the country, also renounced her position. This has led the country into constitutional and political crisis.
Parliamentary elections are scheduled for January 26 and the political implications are such that the latest developments heighten the risk of a radical, anti- establishment candidate winning the 2021 election. We will have to wait and watch.
Ecuador
A series of protests and riots erupted against austerity measures including the cancellation of fuel subsidies by President Lenin Moreno. Anti- government protesters overrun the capital city Quito, so much so that President Moreno had to relocate his capital to coastal city of Guayaquil. The President causes his predecessor Rafael Correa of orchestrating a coup against the government with the help of Venenzuela.
After much negotiations fuel subsidies were restored. However fresh allegations of opposition persecution since the anti- austerity protests stopped haze come up. The nation remains in tenterhooks.
Paraguay
The global anti corruption watchdog Transparency International describes the country as “ monolith in the study of corruption”. Paraguans have introduced new weapons into the battle against corruption - Toilet paper and Eggs.
Public humiliation of government officials started when responsible institutions were not responding.
The landlocked country has a long history of conflicts, resolutions, and coup d’état followed by 35 year rule under Gen. Alfredo Stroessner. His famous words were “ Corruption is the price for peace” !!
Present President Mario Abdos father was the dictators personal secretary.
If the ongoing battle against corruption works, then Paraguay will be called “ monolith in the study of overcoming corruption”.
Uruguay
Uruguayans are also on the streets. Protests were against a proposed security reform. However when protests elsewhere turned violent, in Montevideo the capital, it was peaceful and organised. The conservative Government would face a tough fight in next General elections against the main opposition, the Leftists. At least for now Uruguan protests seem peaceful.
Argentina
Protesters gathered in Buenos Aires demanding government to take more actions to aid the poor- in times of deep economic crisis.
So what lesson do we learn from Latin America. The writing on the wall is not for us, but for the Modi Government- which reads - never underestimate the power of the common man !!
Food for Thought
RC
rohitchennithala.blogspot.com
rohitchennithala.home.blog
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