The original Red Berets & how they collapsed their own country. 🇻🇪
A thread🧵
A thread🧵
In the 20th century, Venezuela was a beacon of hope for democracy in South America. But how did it all go wrong?
It began with the rise of charismatic leaders promising socialism and equality. Enter Hugo Chávez and the Bolivarian Revolution
It began with the rise of charismatic leaders promising socialism and equality. Enter Hugo Chávez and the Bolivarian Revolution
Chávez's "Bolivarian Socialism" seemed like a dream come true for many Venezuelans. But beneath the surface lurked corruption and mismanagement.
Chávez's loyal followers, enforced his regime's power with intimidation and violence, suppressing dissent and free speech.
Chávez's loyal followers, enforced his regime's power with intimidation and violence, suppressing dissent and free speech.
They expropriated land and strategic sectors of the industry, concentrating power and resources in the hands of the government elite.
Funds for government welfare were raised through increased taxing of mining companies, further straining the economy and driving away investment.
Funds for government welfare were raised through increased taxing of mining companies, further straining the economy and driving away investment.
The regime hired more government workers, expanding bureaucracy while draining resources that could have been invested elsewhere.
To appease the masses, they raised the minimum wage, but without addressing underlying economic issues, this only fueled inflation.
To appease the masses, they raised the minimum wage, but without addressing underlying economic issues, this only fueled inflation.
Chavez built up strong relationships with countries like China, Russia, and Cuba to endure the disasters of his policies.
New government programs delivered free or heavily discounted goods to the poorest, maintaining popular sentiment around election times.
New government programs delivered free or heavily discounted goods to the poorest, maintaining popular sentiment around election times.
These efforts delayed Venezuela's impending crisis, but it all changed when Chavez died in 2013, reportedly of cancer.
The cautionary tale doesn't end there. In South Africa, a party nicknamed the "red berets" espouses similar policies.
The cautionary tale doesn't end there. In South Africa, a party nicknamed the "red berets" espouses similar policies.
As we've seen in Venezuela, these policies can lead to economic collapse, hyperinflation, and widespread suffering.
Social policies included basic services for education, health, employment, and food, with practically no limit.
Social policies included basic services for education, health, employment, and food, with practically no limit.
Let us learn from Venezuela's tragedy and be vigilant against policies that promise prosperity but deliver ruin. #Venezuela #RedBerets #SouthAfrica #EFF
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