President Hugo Chávez said that "the Bolivarian Revolution is here to rule for 900 years, to offset 90 years of domination by 'the oligarchs' (the way he calls Venezuela's wealthy class) and the "Puntofijo Pact" (a political agreement between establishment parties). He vowed to rule at least 11 years more with his "Bolivarian Socialist Revolution."

"I am 55 years old, and have been president for 11 years now. In the next 11 years, I promise I will take care of myself a little bit more, if you like, and in 11 years I will be 66 -God willing- and will turn 22 years in office. And 11 years later, I hate to think about that, because I will be 77 years old and 33 years as President. It would be too much time, don't you think so?" the Venezuelan leader asked people who attended an event held in Teresa Carreño Cultural Complex. The public replied with a resounding "No!" Chávez finally said: "I do think so," and added "God and time will tell."

The ruler said that he relinquishes his personal ambitions when he seeks to stay other 11 years in office, despite his opponents' claims. "I do not pay attention to them. You can talk nonsense, whatever you want! There will be 900 years more (of revolution)."

"Bourgeois, you will be forced to resist for 900 years more and afterwards there will be 900 years more (of revolution). Oligarchs will never rule Venezuela again," Chávez insisted in the ceremony to celebrate his 11th year in office. During the act, he swore in Elías Jaua as executive vice president.

Chávez added that Francisco "Farruco" Sesto was appointed again Minister of Culture, replacing Héctor Soto. Further, Alejandro Fleming, the current Vice Minister of Foreign Affairs for Europe, will replace Pedro Morejón as Minister of Tourism.

In a speech mostly focused on his political foes, the Venezuelan president said: "We are turning 11 years; our government is still a boy and the Revolution is still a girl."

In his view, "things in the country are like 11 years ago and today even more so." "Those who love their motherland must come with us to build a new and beautiful motherland. The quislings should go with the opposition. We will prevail."

Chávez highlighted that "the members of (the establishment parties) Acción Democrática, Copei and their followers are trying to return to power" and "they are desperate to overthrow the Bolivarian government." "Oligarchs, if a rebellion breaks out, it would be against the rich, not against the government," Chávez insisted.
Translated by Gerardo Cárdenas