Valdai Club

The protests that have rocked Bolivia, Ecuador, and Chile over the past few months may vary in origin and focus, but they are unfolding in a general regional context. Chile and Ecuador are notable for showing symptoms of growing regional social discontent with policies pursued by the “new right” in Latin America; in contrast, events in Bolivia are more likely a reflection of the wealthy middle strata growing tired of the existing regime’s continuity.

It is too early to talk about political power change in Venezuela. The leader of the parliament Juan Guaidó, the self-proclaimed “provisional president”, is a completely new figure in Venezuela’s political life. He has neither popularity nor political capital, he has not been visible in the public before.