The events surrounding the attempted removal of Venezuelan President Hugo Chvez on April 11, 2002, represent a critical juncture in the country’s political history. Often summarized as a brief, yet tumultuous period involving civic unrest, military intervention, and a short-lived interim government, this attempted coup d’tat involved a complex interplay of social, economic, and political factors. A summary of these events typically covers the protests leading up to the 11th, the brief ousting of Chvez, the interim government of Pedro Carmona Estanga, and the subsequent restoration of Chvez to the presidency on April 13th.
Understanding this period is crucial for analyzing contemporary Venezuelan politics and its broader regional implications. It highlights the fragility of democratic institutions, the role of media and public opinion in political crises, and the potential for polarization and instability in societies grappling with deep-seated divisions. The short-lived nature of the interim government and Chvez’s swift return to power underscore the complexities of power dynamics and popular support. This period also serves as a case study for examining the role of the military in Latin American politics and the potential consequences of extra-constitutional power transfers.
