Hugo Chávez
Who are the Venezuelans still backing Nicolás Maduro?
A generation ago, Hugo Chávez’s election brought a wave of euphoria to Venezuela. The country was awash with oil dollars, and Chavez spent liberally on social programs. Now, his revolution has turned into an authoritarian regime whose broken economy forced millions to leave. Current President Nicolás Maduro is now facing serious accusations of electoral fraud. But even when they are a minority, there are still Venezuelans who continue to embrace Maduro’s government.
Venezuelans fear ‘Fatherland Card’ may be a new form of social control
In Venezuela, the new “Fatherland Card” was introduced as a way to streamline the state-administered distribution of food. But many fear it may be part of a biometric ID system that could determine which citizens have access to basic services based on their political allegiances.
Venezuela’s new ‘fatherland’ ID card, created with China’s ZTE, helps create social control
Venezuela is rolling out a new, smart-card ID known as the ‘carnet de la patria,’ or ‘fatherland card.’ The ID transmits data about cardholders to computer servers. The card is increasingly linked by the government to subsidized food, health and other social programs most Venezuelans rely on to survive.
