February 4, 2023
On February 4, 1992, Venezuela embarked on the construction of a true democracy and began to develop a revolution, the Bolivarian Revolution.
The Bolivarian revolutionary process was born on that day and every year Venezuela s celebrates its National Dignity Day as a way for the country to reaffirm its heroism and patriotic sense and to continue defending the peace and stability of its people. That day in 1992 changed the destiny of the nation.
On that memorable Tuesday, a group of patriots rose up against the imperialist control in the country and the neoliberal policies applied by the government of Carlos Andres Perez, elected in 1988 and responsible for the economic and social crisis in the country.
The previous day, at the stroke of midnight, Army battalions rose up in the city of Maracay, the most important military square in the country, and set out for Caracas with the aim of taking by force the Miraflores Palace. Their objective was to arrest Carlos Andres Perez upon his return from a trip abroad and replace him with a “National Emergency Government”.
At the same time, the rebels assaulted in Caracas the La Carlota Air Base, Miraflores and La Casona, while smaller groups tried, unsuccessfully, to board the security and television offices of the State.
The leadership of the Armed Forces and most of its units loyal to the government repelled the attack. At dawn on February 4, the bulk of the rebels obeyed the orders of the already detained Hugo Chávez and surrendered.
In an improvised press conference as remembered, the eternal leader of the Bolivarian Revolution assumed responsibility for everything and full of dignity expressed: “For now, the objectives we set were not achieved in the capital city”.
That phrase, “For Now”, awakened a dignified people and gave rise to hope. February 4, 1992 completely changed the political course of the country and the lives of Venezuelans.
The country embarked on the path towards the construction of a true democracy and began to develop a revolution, the Bolivarian Revolution and advanced Venezuela’s entry into the 21st century, under the leadership and guidance of the eternal Hugo Chávez.
Today, 31 years later, the Bolivarian nation advances gallantly under the solid leadership of Nicolás Maduro. His administration, following in the footsteps and courage of Chavez, is based on the clamor of that February day, as Venezuela moves forward in revolution and permanent rebellion.