Chavez: Dissident party has joined opposition

Source: AP

President Hugo Chavez lashed out Wednesday at former political allies who have distanced themselves from him, accusing them of joining Venezuela's opposition ahead of September congressional elections.

Chavez harshly criticized Fatherland For All, a leftist party that had traditionally supported the president's socialist government, calling its leaders traitors and predicting its candidates will be defeated in the Sept. 26 vote.

"They are allied with the right wing," Chavez said, speaking to members of his ruling party. "The reformists can stay behind. Here we have true revolutionaries."

The falling out between Chavez and Fatherland For All began months ago. But the breakup appeared definitive Wednesday after Chavez condemned the party's decision to not form an alliance with his Unified Socialist Party of Venezuela ahead of the elections.

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What does PPT have in common with FFA? PPT is solid left and automatic comparisions with the US are often misguiding.

Btw, Chavez is a bit confused on this one. PPT didn't join the opposition, they just started complaining about his "authoritarian policies". After being his allies for the last 12 years, they're aiming at becoming a third option in the political spectrum of Venezuela which, unfortunately, has become completely polarized. The next ones in that list may be the PCV, the communist party. It will take a little longer though.

If the voters do not like Chavez' ruling coalition, they will see it in the form of lost seats.