Former head of the Spanish government José María Aznar said in Santo Domingo that the recipe of Venezuelan and Cuban rulers Hugo Chávez and Fidel Castro, respectively, "is dreadful," Efe reported.

Aznar labeled Chávez as one of the major dangers facing Latin America, adding that the model the Venezuelan ruler endorses is endangering freedom and democracy. His comments came in an interview with Dominican daily "Hoy" published on Friday.
 
He added that the Venezuelan President is set to make any possible efforts to expand his government model throughout the region. According to Aznar, there are people in Bolivia, Ecuador and Colombia willing to endorse "Chávez' formula," as it "has plenty of money."

The former head of Spanish government claimed that should Chávez' model find adepts in the region, a backlash in democracy and economic growth should be expected. He added that populist caudillos and authoritarian governments could return to power too.

When referring to the way Chávez has clashed with US President George W. Bush, Aznar said that it is very easy to attack anybody when oil prices are at USD 60.

"I do not think he is brave, but he is imprudent. Insulting half the world is not an act of courage. When you do not have good results to display, you have to insult others," Aznar told "Hoy."

He added that Chávez' demagogy, populism, insults, disqualifications and his imprudence to attend the fourth Summit of the Americas, in Argentina on November 4-5, and participate in an "anti-summit" are "shameful."