Without fearing a coup, the PT predicts another 30 years of Chávez.

247 - Another 30 years of Hugo Chávez in Venezuela? That's the projection of the Workers' Party, according to Valter Pomar, executive secretary of the São Paulo Forum and national leader of the PT. (Questioned in...) interview published by the Terra portal Regarding the impact, from the PT's perspective and in relation to Brazil, of a Venezuela without Hugo Chávez, Pomar made a very optimistic projection given the Venezuelan president's state of health: "In the short term, we hope that Chávez recovers and that this situation does not occur for the next 20 or 30 years, at least."

The Workers' Party leader also said that he does not expect any problems if Chávez dies in the coming days. "Institutions and democracy are strong in Venezuela, the PSUV and its allies are hegemonic, the adventurous and provocative sectors of the opposition seem to be in the minority," he said. Valter Pomar reproduced the full interview on his blog. Read it here:

Interview given to Portal Terra

1. How is the PT (Workers' Party) following the illness of Venezuelan President Hugo Chavez?
President Hugo Chávez is an ally of Brazil, of Dilma's government, and of the PT (Workers' Party). Furthermore, he is a personal friend of several people on the Brazilian left. I think this answers your question.

2. Do party leaders receive regular updates on Chávez's health? If so, which leaders are most closely involved in the matter, and where does this information come from?
We've been following the situation through various channels: mainstream media, the blogosphere, embassies, governments, party contacts, and personal contacts. Our sources and contacts are numerous, both here and there.

3. Is there any fear on the part of the Brazilian party or government regarding an institutional breakdown in Venezuela? Would this fear stem from a division among Chavistas or from an attempted coup by the opposition?
There is no fear whatsoever. The Venezuelan government, the Patriotic Pole, and the PSUV are united, following the guidelines received from Chávez before he went to Cuba. And the opposition is divided, with a significant sector aware that the so-called Bolivarian revolution is a very consistent political and social process that neither depends on nor is limited to one person, however important they may be. This is why I find it difficult to believe they will embark on such an adventure. Of course, there will always be a reckless and provocative minority, but this is already factored in.

4. What is the best solution for Venezuela at a time when inauguration day is approaching and the president-elect appears to be in poor health to assume office?
The best solution is outlined in the Constitution and will be adopted by the Venezuelan National Assembly.

5. What would be the impact, in the PT's view and in relation to Brazil, of a Venezuela without Hugo Chávez?
In the short term, we hope that Chávez will recover and that this situation will not occur for at least the next 20 or 30 years. In the medium and long term, this will obviously happen. And in our opinion, what should be considered is the economic, social, institutional, and cultural solidity of the changes that have been implemented since 1998. In our opinion, these are solid enough changes to predict that the strategic relations between Brazil and Venezuela will continue very intensely, in the same current direction.

6. Does the PT (Workers' Party) believe there will be any problems during the government transition if Chávez does not recover enough to preside over the country? If so, what kind of problems? If not, why will it be a smooth transition?
As I said, our wish, our hope, and our wish is that Chávez recovers and completes his term. If this does not happen, we do not expect any problems. Institutions and democracy are strong in Venezuela, the PSUV and its allies are hegemonic, and the adventurous and provocative sectors of the opposition seem to be in the minority.

7. Vice President Nicolás Maduro has maintained contact with the United States government. Is it possible that there will be greater rapprochement between Venezuela and the US in a post-Chávez future?
I have no information about recent contacts between the governments of Venezuela and the United States. What I do remember is that Hugo Chávez said, during his presidential campaign, that if he were a voter in the US, he would vote for Obama. Therefore, it is obvious that Venezuela is willing to approach the situation. It is the US government that doesn't seem to want to maintain a normal relationship. It is the Americans who need to decide whether or not to normalize relations with Venezuela.

8. Could Mercosur, which officially incorporated Venezuela in 2012, be affected in any way by a change in the Venezuelan presidency?
Venezuela's integration into Mercosur is a state decision, not a government decision. Therefore, it is independent of who governs the country.