May 20, 2003

Abstract: (CPOD) May 20, 2003 - The people of Venezuela blame Hugo Chávez for the latest political and economical turmoil, according to a poll by Datanalisis. 75.9 per cent of respondents say their president is directly responsible for the crisis in the country.

(CPOD) May 20, 2003 - The people of Venezuela blame Hugo Chávez for the latest political and economical turmoil, according to a poll by Datanalisis. 75.9 per cent of respondents say their president is directly responsible for the crisis in the country.

Opposition parties staged a general strike between December 2002 and February 2003, in a bid to force Chávez's resignation. The government then established several measures that have proven unsuccessful to control inflation. The unemployment rate grew to 20.7 per cent this year, meaning 2.4 million Venezuelans are out of work.

Chávez's tenure has been marred by controversy and strained relations with the United States. The President visited Saddam Hussein in 2000, and has been a constant critic of Washington's foreign policy. The U.S. did not immediately condemn the 48-hour coup that briefly toppled Chávez in April 2002.

Several Venezuelan opposition parties, labour organizations and business groups are hoping to stage a binding referendum next August, in an effort to remove Chávez from office.

Polling Data

Is president Hugo Chávez directly responsible for the crisis in Venezuela?

Yes	75.9%
No	23.5%

Source: Datanalisis
Methodology: Interviews to 700 adults across Venezuela, conducted from Apr. 26 to May 3, 2003. Margin of error is 4 per cent.