The death of President Hugo Chavez

This evening we received with great sadness the announcement of the death of President Hugo Chavez of Venezuela. After a long en uneven battle against cancer Hugo Chavez had to give up the fight today. The cancer finally did what his enemies, led by the United States of America, never could, namely defeating Hugo Chavez. He was a political survivor who turned Venezuela into a new country. Despite pressure from the USA and other neoliberal countries, Chavez never changed his political stance and he and his people deserved to see the final victory. It is a great pity that he will never see this victory now.

Hugo Chavez came to power in 1998 and he brought the socialist revolution to Venezuela. With the support of his people he gave hope to the leftwing movement worldwide. He never gave up the battle against injustice and more and more people joined his large following. This caused great anger in America and among the other lackeys of the capitalist system, which follow Washington every step of the way. We want to point out that with the death of Hugo Chavez, which came far too early, the revolution does not belong to past. On the contrary, at this point it is of the utmost importance to keep following the road which was set out by Hugo Chavez. It was this road that gave him another huge election victory last year. He was elected for another 6 years.

As with every fallen revolutionary his comrades will take his place and carry on the struggle for socialism and a just world. We wish our comrades in Venezuela much strength and wisdom in these difficult days. The revolutionary torch will be safe in their hands and together with the people they will fight off the attacks which will surely follow. This struggle is also our struggle. A struggle which we must and will win.

Hugo Chavez was only 58 years old. We send our condolences to his family and his fellow revolutionaries. The President will live on in the hearts of the people. The fallen, which we carry in our hearts, will never die. They will inspire us.

Editorial Board The Red Banner