Venezuelan press has been abuzz with Henri Falcon's resignation from Chavez's socialist party (Partido Socialista Unido de Venezuela or PSUV). International news outlets also echoed the news, given its significance: Henri falcon was until days ago a true chavista, and, as Daniel argues, one of the very few with enough political muscle of his own to be able to tell Chavez to piss off. But what strikes me as bizarre, is that the best quote of the open letter he sent to the caudillo, has not been picked up by any of the commentators of this particular event:
"En mi criterio, actualmente esta organización está muy lejos de cumplir los fines para los que fue creada. Ha sido minada por la burocracia, la ausencia de discusión, el clientelismo, el grupalismo y un mal entendido concepto de la lealtad."
Translation:
"In my opinion, this organisation (PSUV) is currently very far from the goals for which it was created. It has been undermined by bureaucracy, absence of debate, clientelism, group thinking and a misunderstood concept of loyalty."
I must say that Henri Falcon has provided us with one of the most succinct and precise definitions of chavismo. Other chavistas are empathising with Falcon. Trouble ahead for the putschist?