Name: Hugo Rafael Chávez Frías
Age: 54

Occupation: President of Venezuela

Place of Residence: Caracas, Venezuela

Bio: From Wikipedia:

Born July 28, 1954, Chavez is the 53rd and current President of Venezuela. As the leader of the “Bolivarian Revolution,” Chávez promotes his vision of democratic socialism, Latin American integration, and what he terms anti-imperialism. He is also a radical critic of neoliberal globalization and United States foreign policy. Chávez’s far-reaching reforms have evoked exceptional controversy in Venezuela and abroad, receiving both criticism and praise. Venezuelans are split between those who say he has empowered the poor, and those who say he is autocratic and has mismanaged the economy. Some foreign governments view Chávez as a threat to global oil prices and regional stability, while others welcome his bilateral trade and reciprocal aid agreements.

Why he’s loved: Like his pal Fidel Castro, Chavez is considered a friend of the poor and is credited with anti-poverty initiatives, including the construction of thousands of free medical clinics for the poor, the institution of educational campaigns that have reportedly made more than one million adult Venezuelans literate,and the enactment of food and housing subsidies. There have been marked improvements in the infant mortality rate between 1998 and 2005. Not to mention the fact that he is seen a champion of anti-imperialism in Latin America especially against the United States. What’s not to love about a guy who sells home heating oil super cheap to residents of ‘hoods like the South Bronx, NYC and Boston.
Why he’s hated: Again like with his pal Castro, turn all the reasons he loved on their head and voila you have an instant Commie dictator according to some. Inside Venezuela critics report that both poverty and unemployment figures under Chávez have not seen significant improvement, and that corruption and crime are rampant. There has been at least one coup attempt (which some say the U.S. was behind) and calls for his assassination.

Why he’s influential:He’s right up there with Castro in terms of pissing off the United States. He’s part of a new wave of leftist popular Latin American leaders which scares the U.S. as much as it angers it. He’s creating alliances with nations that many find it easier to ignore like Cuba and Bolivia.

VOTE for Hugo Chavez as VL’s Most Influential Latino 2006.