Politics
From Peru, Manuel Rosales says that he does not feel like he is living in exile and that he leads a busy life filled with activities: "I answer dozens of telephone calls and e-mails and attend to visitors from all over the world on a daily basis. I follow events in Venezuela closely, and my rate of work has not slowed; I have simply changed the methodology and expanded my scope ever farther."

He now keeps a closer eye on international events and has managed to stay in touch with many of his followers through the information centers he founded in several communities throughout the state of Zulia: "I interact with many communities on a permanent basis. It is a beautiful thing, and I truly appreciate that they still keep me on their minds as much I think about them. Therefore, regardless of distance, I am still involved with the country and am sure that I will return."

Do you now believe, however, that your exile in Peru was an error that removed you from the political game?

It was no mistake nor was I taken out of the political game. It would have actually been an error to give in to those who fear pluralism, who declared in November 2008 that they had a cell ready for me at the La Planta prison. Responsible for the death of fifty people on February 4th and the loss of over 200 lives on November 27, 1992, their disregard for human life proves that they had no well-meaning intentions toward me.

Was it not your case actually the first in which Chávez launched, beginning on February 15, an offensive against his political enemies and concentrated power around him like never before? Had you stayed, would you have been capable of preventing the events currently taking place?

Over the past ten years, despite imbalances in the political struggle, there has been a balance of strengths between the government and those of us who oppose it. We put a face on an opposition that retook the electoral and democratic path; we both won and lost, but we paved the way for Venezuela to get back on track toward true change and social justice and prevented it from falling into a grim Castro-inspired, communist model. Our progress has caused the application of harsh politics against an electoral alternative, and as we continue to grow, so have political persecution and abuse of power. Examples abound: thousands of political leaders have sought exile, have been imprisoned or are subject to persecution; journalists are being harassed; television channel Radio Caracas TV was shut down; and privately owned news channel Globovisión undergoes permanent aggression. The channel is attacked indirectly, and false claims are brought against its owners, infringing upon the principles of private property. In this diabolical game, I suppose imprisoning someone like Manuel Rosales would be a key element of intimidation.

At this stage, do you believe that Chávez can be defeated at the polls?

According to surveys, over 65% of the Venezuelan population wants a change. This stale government, marred by failure, has a deadline and is facing an expiration date: 2012. People already feel that ongoing political fighting and deepening ruptures affect their living standards. Robberies, kidnappings, murders, unemployment and housing shortages are everyday issues, and those in charge of ruling the country do nothing to address them. Venezuela is entering a new dawn, powered by the strength and hope of the people.

Translated by Félix Rojas

Roberto Giusti
EL UNIVERSAL