Lessons from Venezuela

Venezuela is extremely rich in its natural resources, but now in chaos. The reason is the same that led to the collapse of Soviet Union and its empire few decades ago. That is: the contradiction between the human nature and planned economy - which leads to economic inefficiency, corruption and oppression of human rights.

Right now it is not known what will happen in the ongoing revolution in Venezuela. Its justification can, however, be evaluated from the list of countries, which have shown their support to parties.

The socialistic dictator Maduro has been supported by Mexico, Bolivia, China, Turkey and Russia, whereas the leader of revolution, Juan Guaidó, has been supported by the United States, Argentina, Brazil, Chile, Costa Rica, Ecuador, Honduras, Canada, Colombia, Panama, Paraguay and Peru.

However, something can be inferred about Venezuelans themselves, as even the leader of the revolution is slightly leftist. It shows to me, that Venezuelans have not understood the reason for their poor situation. I mean, the problem is not the current dictator, his personality or his greed of power. Instead, the problem is the basic nature of socialism, which is only implemented by Maduro - and if did not exist, someone else would do it.

But of course, the Venezuelans have a right to decide on their own future. We others can only understand the reasons for the problems in Venezuela, and vote according to this understanding in elections of our own countries.

This is especially important now, when the world is going towards a period of slower economic growth. And the outcome of a leftist government would be rugged also for us in Finland.

Previous thoughts on the same topic:
Wishes to hell by novelist Itkonen
Why a journalist was unaware on the number of Stalin´s victims?

The original thought in Finnish:

Mitä jokaisen suomalaisen pitäisi oppia Venezuelasta?