Solar panels and batteries are of course extremely significant and appreciated. A little throwing the weight around would go a long way, though, wouldn't it, Xi?
I was referring more the Saab stuff and external policy; had an article I'd just read on my mind. It's too early to say about the elections she's calling for. It could easily be an extension of the project in a very productive way, folding in more of society to the deep democratic structures the revolution has built. The Venezuelan state has often simultaneously given to and taken from the communal movement. Rodriguez can offset the lack of sovereignty over oil and foreign policy by strengthening the communes and deepening socialist construction, which she has always been a strong fighter for.
Even best case scenario it's a step backwards for the revolution.
Well there's been no doubt about that since the day Maduro was captured. Best case scenario has always been a violently imposed surrendering of oil sovereignty, hopefully offset by access to international markets. I expect the heights of the PSUV are getting strung along by the US on promises of sanctions relief, which could make the concessions so far much more bearable, but once you start shipping off your own close allies, how much further can you go? I don't believe Rodriguez is a comprador trying to sell out the revolution, but it doesn't seem like she knows how to navigate out of these very dangerous waters. I wouldn't know what to do in her place, either!
The most important thing is that heart of the revolution, the grassroots construction of socialism via communes, remains in place. It has always existed in tension with and (occasionally) opposition to the state. It is now better armed than it's ever been, given the way Maduro attempted to prepare the country for an invasion. If it is necessary, I believe the communes can win out over the PSUV state and in so doing carry on Chavez's mission. I hope it doesn't come to that point.
This could lead to major split between the state level and the communal level of the revolution. Very dangerous ground if it continues and is not productively resolved.
Ok, good. I know such a thing is a long shot but I can't help but worry when militaries start moving. For everything South America has been through, it has been an inspiring model of how to avoid devastating interstate warfare.
Got it, thanks for the correction and the point you're raising