The Venezuelan Coup d’État of April 12, 2002
On April 12, 2002, a significant political upheaval occurred in Venezuela when President Hugo Chávez was temporarily removed from power in a coup d’état orchestrated by a faction of the Venezuelan military. This event marked a pivotal moment in Venezuelan history and had profound implications for the country’s political landscape.
Background
Hugo Chávez, a former military officer, had been elected President of Venezuela in 1998 and took office in 1999. His presidency was characterized by a series of controversial reforms aimed at redistributing wealth and increasing state control over the economy, which he termed the “Bolivarian Revolution.” Chávez’s policies polarized Venezuelan society, garnering strong support from the poor and working-class citizens while facing fierce opposition from business leaders, the middle class, and parts of the military.
Tensions escalated in the months leading up to the coup, exacerbated by a general strike in April 2002 organized by the Confederation of Venezuelan Workers and the Federation of Chambers of Commerce (Fedecámaras). The strike was a protest against Chávez’s policies and his increasing consolidation of power.
The Coup
On April 11, 2002, a massive opposition-led march converged on the presidential palace, Miraflores, resulting in violent clashes between protesters and Chávez supporters. The situation deteriorated rapidly, leading to the deaths of several individuals. In the chaos, a group of high-ranking military officers announced that Chávez had resigned, a claim that Chávez later denied.
On April 12, Chávez was detained and taken to a military base. Pedro Carmona, the head of Fedecámaras, was installed as interim president. Carmona’s government quickly dissolved the National Assembly and the Supreme Court, actions that were widely criticized both domestically and internationally.
Aftermath
The coup was short-lived. Within 48 hours, a combination of domestic protests by Chávez supporters and international pressure, particularly from Latin American governments, led to the collapse of the interim government. On April 14, 2002, Chávez was restored to power.
The failed coup had several significant consequences:
Consolidation of Power: Chávez emerged from the coup attempt with increased political capital, which he used to further consolidate his power and push forward his agenda.
Polarization: The event deepened the political divide in Venezuela, entrenching the polarization between Chávez’s supporters and opponents.
International Relations: The coup strained Venezuela’s relations with the United States, which was accused by Chávez of having supported the coup plotters, a claim the U.S. government denied.
Military Loyalty: The coup highlighted divisions within the Venezuelan military, but ultimately, it reinforced Chávez’s control over the armed forces.
The 2002 coup attempt remains a contentious and pivotal moment in Venezuelan history, reflecting the deep-seated political and social divisions that continue to influence the country’s trajectory.