Delivering for the Public Rather Than Prioritizing Profits
In today's world, a lack of historical knowledge, weak analytical skills, and an unfortunate tendency to accept the status quo can lead to misinterpretations. This is particularly true when assessing the years of Hugo Chávez's presidency, often viewed as a time when anything was possible due to oil revenue. But what is left when oil revenue dips because of low prices or sanctions against the oil industry? Do we just have to grin and bear it, struggling with a reality that once favored us but no longer does?
We may be forced to reconsider our economic path, making tough decisions, tightening our belts, and looking for new opportunities. The call for a "post-oil" or "productive" Venezuela gains traction in such situations.
While it's true that Hugo Chávez and his government worked to raise oil prices at the start of the century, the narrative that the falling oil prices and other challenges mean a return to the past is an overly simplistic view. Instead, let's take a closer look at the notion of a "productive" Venezuela.
One perspective comes from Alí Rodríguez Araque, who, in his book "Serve the People," outlines his vision for a better future. He emphasizes the importance of self-sufficiency, diversification, and social equality, while criticizing the historical dependency on oil revenue as fostering a parasitic economy.
In his book, Rodríguez Araque discusses the need for a transition from an economic model based on international surplus value (i.e., international rent) to one where national surplus value extracted from Venezuelan workers becomes the primary source of accumulation. This transition, he argues, requires a shift in the production process and a move away from a parasitic Venezuela to a productive one.
The so-called "productive" Venezuela, however, is more than just an economic issue. It's about human well-being, democratic governance, and social justice. A productive Venezuela, in Rodríguez Araque's vision, is about ensuring the material and spiritual aspirations of the people are met through a truly democratic, transparent, and participatory system.
Rodríguez Araque differentiates between the productivist narrative that sees the economy as a purely economic-business problem and one that understands production as a means to achieve human ends. He argues that the goal should be to generate lasting economic improvement for everyone, not just the privileged few.
In a productive Venezuela, oil profits should not solely serve to boost private capital or please foreign markets. Instead, they should be used to invest in education, healthcare, agriculture, and local industries, benefiting the people themselves. This vision emphasizes local control, community cooperation, and sustainability.
Rodríguez Araque's ideas are not just theoretical. Many of his proposals were, in fact, implemented during Hugo Chávez's rule, demonstrating that transformative change is possible.
It's crucial to study our own history to avoid the pitfalls that might lead us astray. Studying the works of figures like Rodríguez Araque provides invaluable insights into our past, present, and future. By understanding our history, we can chart a course towards a more just, equitable, and productive Venezuela.
Reinaldo Iturriza López is a sociologist, writer, and activist, renowned for his books "27 de Febrero de 1989: interpretaciones y estrategias" and "El chavismo salvaje." As a former Culture Minister, Communes and Social Movements Minister, and Audiovisual Production School director at Ávila TV, he contributes regularly to Saber y Poder.
The views expressed in this article are the author's own and do not necessarily reflect those of the Venezuelanalysis editorial staff.
Translated by Venezuelanalysis.
- Alí Rodríguez Araque, an intellectual and activist, discusses in his book "Serve the People" a vision for a productive Venezuela, focusing on self-sufficiency, diversification, and social equality.
- In his book, Rodríguez Araque advocates for a transition from an economic model reliant on international surplus value to one that extracts national surplus value from Venezuelan workers as the primary source of accumulation.
- Venezuelanalysis reported on Reinaldo Iturriza López, a sociologist and writer, who emphasizes that a productive Venezuela encompasses not just economic development but also human well-being, democratic governance, and social justice.
- Iturrizi López's works, such as "27 de Febrero de 1989: interpretaciones y estrategias" and "El chavismo salvaje," offer valuable insights into understanding a more just, equitable, and productive Venezuela, stressing the importance of studying one's history.
