Néstor Aguilera is a journalist based in Quito, Ecuador.

Ecuadortv international news editor, anchor, reporter.

Television, radio, media training, video package.

Ecuadorian Prosecutor's Office Deploys 'Largest Operation' Against Corruption and Drug Trafficking

05 Oct 2023  |  www.vozdeamerica.com  |  Spanish  |  Security Crisis

Ecuador is facing a significant corruption and drug trafficking scandal amid a severe security crisis. The Prosecutor's Office, led by Diana Salazar, has launched 'Operation Metastasis,' resulting in the arrest of Wilman Terán, President of the Judiciary Council, and other officials. The investigation, involving 75 raids and nearly 900 personnel, targets 29 individuals, including former prison service director Pablo Ramírez. The operation follows the 2022 prison riot murder of alleged drug trafficker Leandro Norero, revealing a criminal network within the state. The case coincides with U.S. Ambassador Michael Fitzpatrick's call for judicial integrity and anti-corruption measures.

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Rafael Correa Pablo Ramírez Wilman Terán Diana Salazar Daniel Noboa Leandro Norero Merrick Garland Michael Fitzpatrick

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alvaro algarra is a journalist based in Caracas, Venezuela.
I am a journalist born in Caracas Venezuela in 1980, I graduated from Santa Maria University in Caracas. I trained as a professional from the first year of my career as a Social Communicator on the television channel Radio Caracas ...

Increase in Detentions of Venezuelan Opponents

02 Oct 2024  |  www.vozdeamerica.com  |  Spanish  |  Venezuelan Politics

The article reports on the detention of Venezuelan opposition figures, including Mayor Rafael Ramírez, by the Servicio Bolivariano de inteligencia. The opposition party Primero Justicia condemned the detentions, highlighting a pattern of repression following recent elections. Lawyer Joel García criticized the lack of due process, while Jennie Lincoln from the Carter Center presented evidence at the OAS in Washington D.C. supporting the opposition's election victory claims. Interior Minister Diosdado Cabello accused the opposition of conspiracy, asserting the government's electoral success.

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Rafael Ramírez Juan Pablo Guanipa Joel García Jennie Lincoln Edmundo González Diosdado Cabello Nicolás Maduro

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Correspondent, filmmaker and photographer currently based in Madrid – via Latin America, NYC, Moscow and London.

Media outlets I've worked for include: AP, BBC, CNN, The New York Times, Reuters, The Guardian, Monocle, Global Post, VICE, openDemocracy, The Wire, Russia Now (Daily Telegraph, ...

Oil and Lava

01 Dec 2015  |  www.vice.com  |  English  |  Rafael Correa's Policies

Ecuador's economy, heavily reliant on oil, faces challenges as global oil prices drop, impacting President Rafael Correa's ambitious social and educational projects, including the Yachay Tech University. Despite initial successes in reducing poverty and modernizing infrastructure, Correa's administration is criticized for failing to diversify the economy and over-relying on oil revenues. The government's handling of social projects and displacement of communities for development initiatives has led to public discontent. As Correa plans to step down, Ecuador faces potential economic instability, compounded by natural threats like the Cotopaxi volcano and El Niño.

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René Ramírez Rafael Correa Daniela Armijo Hector Rodríguez Yolanda Morillo Edison Peña Manuel Quimbiamba Fernando Albericio Alberto Acosta Freddy Ehlers Santiago Rojas Angel Chamba Cuenca Antonio María Nicki Esperanza de Trunquillo Evelyn García Walter Moreira Eduardo McIntosh

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Matthew Bremner is a journalist based in Burgos, Spain. He is fluent in Spanish and has filed reports and features from places such as  Argentina and Japan. His work has appeared in the Financial Times, the BBC, VICE, Slate, The Daily Beast, Roads and Kingdoms and ESPN.

You can find examples of ...

Did this man spend 20 years in prison for murdering someone who is still alive?

28 Jul 2022  |  Matthew Bremner: Journalist  |  English  |  Judicial System

Manuel Ramírez was arrested in 2000 during a family gathering in Tepexpan, Mexico, by men claiming to be police officers. They did not show identification or a warrant and proceeded to beat Ramírez and drag him to an abandoned warehouse. There, Ramírez, along with Carlos Alberto Sánchez and Gabriel Vera, were tortured and forced to confess to the murder of Emmanuel Martínez Elizalde. Despite the lack of evidence and a forced confession, Ramírez was convicted and sentenced to over forty years in prison. The article highlights the corruption and use of torture within the Mexican police force and the judicial system's failure to protect the innocent. Ramírez fought for over two decades to clear his name, and the case is extraordinary because the man he was accused of killing might still be alive.

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Rafael Martínez Elizalde Francisco Ramírez Manuel Ramírez Emmanuel Martínez Elizalde Carlos Alberto Sánchez Gabriel Vera Elizabeth Romero

Yordano Carmona Is a journalist based in Miami, United States of America. He has been covering baseball for the last 7 years and is a BBWAA Member. He has been at World Series, and World Baseball Classic and covers the Miami Marlins on a daily basis.

Cowardice or Strategy? The Debate After Robeisy Ramírez's Withdrawal

08 Dec 2024  |  Martí Noticias | Martinoticias.com/  |  Spanish  |  Athlete Health

Robeisy Ramírez's technical knockout loss to Rafael Espinoza has sparked debate over his decision to withdraw from the match due to impaired vision caused by an elbow hit. While some view the withdrawal as cowardice, others see it as a mature decision prioritizing health over potential career-ending injury. Espinoza claims his pressure led to Ramírez's decision, while the visibly swollen eye of Ramírez supports the severity of the injury. The defeat poses challenges for his promoter, Top Rank, as they reconsider his future in upcoming events. Ramírez's focus on health over honor may mark a strategic turning point in his career.

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Rafael Espinoza Robeisy Ramírez Tim Tszyu

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Colombian journalist, editor and researcher based in Spain.

Duque states that Venezuela does not reach 700,000 barrels of oil per day, but the figures are vague

17 Mar 2022  |  www.vozdeamerica.com  |  Spanish  |  International Relations

Colombian President Iván Duque claimed in an interview with Voz de América that Venezuela cannot produce more than 700,000 barrels of oil per day, contrasting Colombia's recovery and strategic investments with Venezuela's destroyed capacity. Official figures from PDVSA are limited, and OPEC data shows discrepancies in Venezuelan oil production figures. Venezuela's economy contracted significantly under Nicolás Maduro, exacerbated by falling oil prices and U.S. sanctions. The country's oil production has declined from three million barrels per day in 2013 to half a million in 2020. Despite recent economic recovery signs, Venezuela's oil production remains below 700,000 barrels per day, according to OPEC's monitoring. The country's geopolitical situation, especially with the largest proven oil reserves and recent U.S. sanctions on Russian hydrocarbons, positions it in a complex relationship with major powers, with potential implications for energy security and diplomatic negotiations.

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Rafael Ramírez Iván Duque Nicolás Maduro Hugo Chávez Tareck El Aissami Jen Psaki Juan Guaidó

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Maria Silvia Espinoza is a journalist based in Caracas, Distrito Capital, Venezuela.

Lack of inputs in the Venezuelan agri-food sector: a prolonged barrier to national food production

16 Feb 2018  |  msespinoza12  |  Spanish  |  Lack of inputs

The Venezuelan agri-food sector is facing a severe lack of inputs and raw materials, hindering the national production of food. The majority of these inputs are imported, and the industry has not been able to access foreign currency to pay international suppliers. This situation has led to reduced productivity and an inability to meet the demand for food. The expropriation of Agroisleña, now Agropatria, has also contributed to the inefficiency in the distribution of agricultural inputs. Despite the government's recognition of the importance of food production, there has been no effective strategy to address the sector's needs. The sector's stakeholders have repeatedly called for government action to resolve these issues.

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Rafael Ramírez Rubén Flores Pablo Baraybar Vicente Pérez Henry Ventura Jesús Velázquez Dulce María Pérez Luis Vicente León Ramón Bolotín

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Gabriela Estrada is a journalist based in México City. Her specialty is art, lifestyle and architecture.

What you should know about the history and architecture of the MAM

05 Sept 2022  |  Architectural Digest  |  Spanish  |  Architecture

The Museo de Arte Moderno (MAM) in Mexico City is a key cultural institution, housing a significant collection of 20th-century Mexican art, including works by Remedios Varo, José Clemento Orozco, Frida Kahlo, and Dr. Atl. Established during Adolfo López Mateos's presidency as part of a cultural policy expansion, MAM opened on September 20, 1964, under the direction of Carmen Marín. Architects Pedro Ramírez Vázquez and Rafael Mijares designed the museum, which is known for its modernist architecture and integration with the surrounding Chapultepec Forest. The museum's design features continuous exhibition spaces, natural light utilization, and has undergone updates to its lighting, air conditioning, and security systems without altering the original architectural intent. MAM is also noted for its inclusive design, with accessibility features and exhibitions presented in Mexican Sign Language.

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Rafael Mijares Pedro Ramírez Vázquez Adolfo López Mateos Carmen Marín Rufino Tamayo

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The ‘Cheapest’ Country in the World

23 Jan 2014  |  TIME Stamped  |  English  |  Black Market

Currency controls in Venezuela, introduced by Hugo Chávez in 2003, have created a black market where foreign currency is sold at rates significantly higher than the official exchange rate. This has led to economic disparities, with those having access to foreign currency benefiting immensely, while locals struggle with high inflation and scarcity of basic goods. The black market allows for cheap international travel and arbitrage opportunities, exacerbating the divide between the wealthy and the poor. Critics argue that the government's policies have failed to curb inflation and capital flight, instead fostering corruption and economic distortions.

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Rafael Ramírez Vinny Hugo Chávez Linger Tiapa Ricardo Cussano Jason Sinclair Angel Garcia Banchs Alberto Ramos Mario Silva

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Freelance print and broadcast journalist specialized in international affairs and geopolitics. Reporting experience in English and Spanish from more than 30 countries across Europe, Asia, Africa, the Middle East and Latin America. 

Recent news coverages include:

Jun – Jul 2015 – Greek debt ...

The Money-Losing Machine in Caracas

01 May 2014  |  Foreign Policy  |  English  |  Corruption

Venezuela faces a severe economic crisis characterized by high inflation, scarcity of basic goods, and rampant smuggling, exacerbated by longstanding policies like the gasoline subsidy. Political figures like María Corina Machado and Leopoldo López highlight the oppressive political climate, while the economic irrationality and corruption, particularly in border regions like San Cristóbal, underscore the systemic issues. The Venezuelan Armed Forces and organized crime play significant roles in the smuggling operations. The article suggests that deep and painful reforms are necessary to break the cycle of economic mismanagement and corruption, but questions who has the political capital to implement such changes.

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Rafael Ramírez María Corina Machado Leopoldo López Daniel Ceballos Luis Vicente León Ricardo Sanguino Jaime Lusinchi Carlos Andrés Pérez Hugo Chávez Nicolás Maduro

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Laís Martins is a journalist based in São Paulo, Brazil.

Forget retirement. Older people are turning to gig work to survive

01 Jan 2024  |  Rest of World  |  English  |  Social Security

Older individuals are increasingly turning to gig work as a means of survival due to inadequate social security systems and rising living costs. Despite the challenges of low earnings, long hours, and health risks, gig work offers flexibility and a low barrier to entry. The global population of older gig workers is expected to grow, driven by demographic changes and economic pressures. However, the lack of social safety nets poses significant challenges, with many older workers unable to retire due to insufficient savings and pensions. Efforts are underway in some countries to provide social protections for gig workers, but progress is slow. The article highlights the need for reimagined social security systems to address the growing economic inequalities among older people.

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Rafael Ramírez Gilberto Alves de Souza Florian Juergens-Grant Claudia Mahler Funda Ustek Spilda Nguyen Van Sau Aura Sevilla Kunle Shofolade Mirza Shahzada Khurram Maureen Zephora Khumalo I.I. Amjad Ali Khan Jennifer Cole Saeedullah Khan Zulfiqar Masood Omar Alfonzo Huynh Thanh Long Donald Manzini Tran Thanh Melithemba Chris Mnguni Wycliffe Alutalala Patrick Chege Kamau

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Carolina Mella Happe is a journalist based in Guayaquil, Ecuador.

A mega-operation in Ecuador reveals the depth of narco-politics in the judicial system

16 Dec 2023  |  El País México  |  Spanish  |  Law Enforcement

A large-scale operation in Ecuador led to the arrest of 31 individuals, including judges, prosecutors, and police officers, revealing the deep infiltration of narco-politics in the judicial system. The operation, directed by State Prosecutor Diana Salazar, exposed the extent of corruption and criminal activities linked to narcotics trafficker Leandro Norero. The investigation also implicated high-ranking officials and highlighted the challenges faced by the judicial system in combating organized crime.

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Pablo Ramírez Rafael Correa Diana Salazar Guillermo Lasso Leandro Norero Wilman Terán Harrison Salcedo Gerardo Delgado Agustín Intriago Fernando Villavicencio

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jorge Morejon is a journalist based in Miami, United States of America.

‘El Tren’ Ramírez celebrates the Cuban public's response to his upcoming fight: Sold out

08 Dec 2023  |  Martí Noticias | Martinoticias.com/  |  Spanish  |  Boxing

Cuban boxer Robeisy Ramírez is set to defend his World Boxing Organization featherweight title in South Florida against Mexican Rafael Espinoza, with tickets already sold out. Olympic champion Andy Cruz will fight Jovanni Straffon in San Francisco. Cuban athletes Ramiro Mora and Fernando Dayán Jorge will join the Refugee Olympic Team for Paris 2024. Cuban baseball player Andy Pagés has made a successful debut in Major League Baseball, while Adrián Morejón and Yennier Cano have had notable performances. Jorge Soler, however, has struggled to meet expectations. Judoka Magdiel Estrada left the Cuban delegation in Brazil. Miami's loanDepot Park will host the World Baseball Classic in 2026, and Lourdes Gurriel Junior has signed a new contract with the Arizona Diamondbacks after a successful season.

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Rafael Espinoza Robeisy Ramírez Andy Cruz Jovanni Straffon Regis Prograis Devin Haney Ramiro Mora Fernando Dayán Jorge Andy Pagés Adrián Morejón Yennier Cano Jorge Soler Magdiel Estrada Miguel Díaz Canel Juan Reinaldo Pérez Pardo Lourdes Gurriel Junior Yunieski Gurriel Yulieski Gurriel

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Graduate in Journalism (2009). Master in Historical and Anthropological Studies (2014). Documentalist. Qualified as a photojournalist. Experience as a press editor-reporter, journalistic content editor, radio and television host, and scriptwriter. Journalist and editorial coordinator of Martí ...

Repression and Espionage: The Footprint of Cuban Intelligence in Venezuela

07 Aug 2024  |  elTOQUE  |  Spanish  |  International Relations

Nicolás Maduro's regime in Venezuela, supported by Cuban intelligence, has engaged in extensive repression and espionage to maintain power. The Cuban government has been instrumental in restructuring Venezuela's military and intelligence services, fostering a climate of fear and surveillance. Opposition leaders like Edmundo González and María Corina Machado advocate for reevaluating Venezuela's foreign relations, particularly with Cuba. Reports from various organizations highlight the pervasive influence of Cuban agents in Venezuela's security apparatus and their involvement in human rights abuses, including torture. The international community has struggled to address these issues effectively.

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Rafael Ramírez Nicolás Maduro Hugo Chávez Edmundo González María Corina Machado Luis Almagro Antonio Rivero Manuel Ricardo Cristopher Figuera Rocío San Miguel Tamara Sujú Ronald Dugarte Zair Mundaray Francisco Cox Villca Fernández Laritza Diversent

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I'm a freelance journalist, based in Bogotá, Colombia. I cover human rights, gender equality, social movements, culture and the environment. My work has appeared in The Guardian, Al Jazeera, Vice, NACLA, Women's Media Center, Remezcla and more. 

As a Texas-born Colombian-American, I strive to ...

Dominican Art History: 10 Trailblazing Female Artists You Should Know

16 Nov 2017  |  Remezcla  |  English  |  Female Artists

The article highlights ten pioneering female artists from the Dominican Republic, detailing their significant contributions to art and culture. It covers their educational backgrounds, artistic styles, and the social and cultural themes they explore in their work. The artists include Clara Ledesma, Celeste Woss y Gil, Raquel Paiewonsky, Ada Balcacer, Rosalba Hernández, Lucía Méndez, Elsa Nuñez, Belkis Ramirez, and Rosa Tavarez. Their works span various mediums and address issues such as racial inequities, identity, spirituality, and social realism. The article also emphasizes their roles in advancing art education and establishing influential art movements and institutions in the Dominican Republic.

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Rafael Trujillo Belkis Ramirez Belkis Ramirez Clara Ledesma Celeste Woss y Gil Raquel Paiewonsky Ada Balcacer Rosalba Hernández Lucía Méndez Elsa Nuñez Rosa Tavarez Marc Chagall Joan Miro Paul Klee Abelardo Rodriguez Urdaneta Pascal Meccariello Jorge Pineda Antonio Seguí Julia Alvarez Yoryi Morel Jaime Colson Gilberto Hernández Ortega

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Fabíola Ortiz is a Luso-Brazilian journalist currently based in Dortmund, Germany.
As an independent journalist, I report in Portuguese, Spanish and English about current affairs, development, human rights and international relations. 
I previously lived in Argentina, Australia, Brazil and United ...

Wife of Venezuelan Opposition Leader Asks Dilma Not to Be 'Complicit with Maduro'

01 Nov 2015  |  BBC News فارسی  |  Portuguese  |  Venezuelan Politics

Lilian Tintori, wife of imprisoned Venezuelan opposition leader Leopoldo López, urges Brazilian President Dilma Rousseff not to support Nicolás Maduro's regime. Tintori, a human rights activist, highlights the harsh conditions and alleged psychological torture her husband faces in prison. She calls for international condemnation of López's politically motivated imprisonment. The article also discusses the broader political context in Venezuela, including the upcoming parliamentary elections and the opposition's efforts to gain majority control.

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Rafael Darío Ramírez Carreño Lilian Tintori Leopoldo López Dilma Rousseff Nicolás Maduro Fernando Henrique Cardoso Geraldo Alckmin Aécio Neves Franklin Nieves Francisco Palmieri Erika Guevara-Rosas Henrique Capriles Hugo Chávez

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Cristina Papaleo is a journalist and editor based in Bonn, Germany. She works for international media Deutsche Welle (DW) in Germany. She speaks Spanish (native language), German, English and Portuguese.

Elections in Ecuador: The Challenge of Defending Democracy

05 May 2023  |  www.dw.com  |  Spanish  |  Political Crisis

Ecuador faces a critical election with Daniel Noboa, known for his hardline stance against crime, leading the polls. Despite criticism for his authoritarian approach, Noboa's policies resonate with a populace concerned about security. His main rival, Luisa González, struggles to gain traction against the backdrop of a polarized political climate. The article highlights the challenges of maintaining democratic institutions amidst rising violence and economic instability, with Noboa's potential victory raising concerns about further authoritarian measures. The political landscape is influenced by global trends, with Noboa aligning with right-wing leaders like Donald Trump.

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Franklyn Ramírez Rafael Correa Daniel Noboa Luisa González Verónica Abad Donald Trump Nayib Bukele Javier Milei Felipe Ante Anamaría Correa

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Cláudio Silva is a journalist based in Luanda, Angola.

Baseball Corner

01 Oct 2024  |  www.elsiglodetorreon.com.mx  |  Spanish  |  Sports Events

The Laguna baseball team is preparing for the National Baseball Championship in Aguascalientes, with practices led by manager Julio César Martínez and coaches Fernando Rodríguez and Federico Castañeda. The team, composed mainly of local players, aims to perform well against top Mexican teams. The Federación Mexicana de Beisbol has authorized an expanded roster for the event. Meanwhile, the Liga Mayor de Beisbol de la Laguna is set to start its season, while the Liga Premier faces exclusion from organized baseball due to unresolved issues with the Asociación Lagunera de Beisbol.

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Roberto Ramírez Rafael Nava Julio César “Chato” Martínez Fernando “He-Man” Rodríguez Federico “Lico” Castañeda Gregorio Tapia José Guadalupe Díaz Jorge Arguijo Carlos Jiménez José Castillo Alonso Chávez Christian Agüero José González Carlos Garibay Fernando Rodríguez Jr. Rigoberzon Nájera Jair García Florentino Contreras

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Journalist based in Caracas (Venezuela) with years of experience in multimedia reporting at national and international media. I have worked on news and coverage from different sources, such as political and economic. Interested in writing stories focused on the social and human side. Responsible, ...

Blackout impacts Caracas and several states in Venezuela

06 Oct 2023  |  www.vozdeamerica.com  |  Spanish  |  Government Response

A significant power outage affected Caracas and several states in Venezuela for two to eight hours, with the government attributing it to an 'attack' on the electrical system. The blackout impacted internet connectivity and was reported by NetBlocks. Government officials, including Minister Néstor Reverol, claimed it was a deliberate attack, while opposition leader Juan Guaidó blamed government corruption and incompetence. The power was fully restored by noon. Residents shared their experiences, highlighting the vulnerability of the electrical system and the economic concerns arising from such outages.

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Rafael Ramírez Nicolás Maduro Néstor Reverol Juan Guaidó Trosky Sánchez Eduardo Prieto Francis Briceño

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Fernando Tineo is a journalist based in Caracas, Venezuela.

The lie as an exercise of power makes Venezuela a theater of the absurd (Analysis)

20 Apr 2023  |  El Estímulo  |  Spanish  |  Venezuelan Politics

Venezuela is depicted as a theater of the absurd, with pervasive corruption and incompetence among both the government and opposition. The article criticizes the Venezuelan government's cynical use of power and the opposition's ineffectiveness. It highlights the legacy of Hugo Chávez and the ongoing issues of corruption, drawing parallels to historical and literary references. Experts like Héctor Manrique and Gloria Cuenca provide critical analysis, emphasizing the deep-rooted ethical and moral conflicts within the political landscape.

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Rafael Ramírez Héctor Manrique Jorge Rodríguez Tibisay Lucena Hugo Chávez Gloria Cuenca María Corina Machado Luis Toty Medina

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