Venezuela's political prospects changed in 1999 when Hugo Chavez became president. Beginning his presidency, Chavez created a new constitution for Venezuela, and the country's name was changed to the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela. Since then, the country has undergone a total change as it has undergone a system of socialism, as the oil company and many other private enterprises have been nationalized. In this socialist system, revenues generated by the oil industry were invested in social programs to help the country's poorest people. On the other hand, Chavez confiscated many properties of the middle and upper classes, transferring them to the state, and also created animosity with other nations, challenging them in many ways. These acts were harmful to the wealthy Venezuelan population but beneficial to the poor. As a result, Chavez was praised by the poor who considered him a hero, while wealthy Venezuelans and some critics (in other countries) despised him, considering him a villain. Which group of people is right about their assumptions? Was Chavez a hero or a villain? Supporters of Chavismo – the term commonly used to refer to Chavez's socialist policies – adore the system of socialism and forcefully proclaim that it is the better system than others. However, this sentiment has been refuted by others. In a CNN News article earlier this year, Roger Noriega, a fellow at the American Enterprise Institute, says that Chavez was a complete villain as he destroyed the economy and consolidated all power in his hands. He destroyed democratic institutions in the country and left Venezuela. democracy is in a worse situation than before, Noriega argues. Furthermore, he states that “[Chavez] w... middle of paper... regard was an impressive feat that no Arab leader or dictator has ever been able to accomplish (qtd. in Young). Chavez is beloved by his supporters who continue to admire him even after his death. For example, Nicolas Maduro is quoted in a Trinidad and Tobagonews blog as saying that “those who die for life cannot be called dead, Chavez lives, the battle continues.” He adds: "Honor and glory to Hugo Chavez, may he live forever." Hugo Chavez made history in his country as well as around the world, both for his so-called good and bad deeds. People around the world differ in their perspectives on his legacy, having their own definition of his actions. It is clear that President Hugo Chavez was a complicated public figure who did a lot for Venezuela, and people need to carefully examine these facts before branding him as hero or villain..