Thread by @venanalysis

On #20Oct, 2012, Hugo Chávez gave his last public speech packed with self-criticism and strategic lines on Venezuela's transition towards socialism.

The 3h+ long historic broadcast is considered his political testament, with Chavista people baptizing it "Strike at the Helm." 🧵

Hugo Chávez's "Strike at the Helm" speech focused on a new cycle of the Bolivarian Process, with the leader calling for "radicalization" and turning the wheel towards socialism by transforming the economic landscape from the bottom-up.

Social property was key in Chávez' vision.

"Is building a highway the goal?" asked Chávez, "Or is it changing the entire geographical-human, socio-territorial and cultural relationship with its surroundings the goal?"

The Vzlan leader demanded territorializing the socialist model to break away from the capitalist logic.

"Where are the communes?" Chávez repeatedly asked in the "Strike at the Helm" speech in a profound act of self-criticism. They should be everywhere, he argued.

"Here, in Miraflores (presidential palace), a commune should exist!"

The battle cry "Commune or Nothing!" was born.

For Chávez, constant study, self-rectification and communication were essential for Venezuela's socialist model to succeed.

The leader warned that putting a “socialist” label on everything was meaningless. Transforming workers' lives and empowering the people was the real change

Nine years on, Hugo Chávez’ “Strike at the Helm” speech has become a historical document that continues to resonate within Venezuela’s grassroots.

The “Comandante” made it clear that only socialism guarantees democracy, with absolute political, social and economic freedom.

Watch the “five key aspects” of Hugo Chávez' "Strike at the Helm" (Golpe de Timón) speech in this 7-min video made with @TatuyTv.

The remarkable broadcast is a must-watch to understand Venezuela's unprecedented revolutionary process. venezuelanalysis.com/video/14754