Topics > Politics > Venezuela's Challenges

The interim president lacks Hugo Chavez's charisma but not some of his political tools.

The president's death presents serious challenges to his successor.

What his successor does at the helm matters more than the eventual announcement regarding Chavez's status.

The unconfirmed statement is plausible, and indicates rising political pressure on the Venezuelan government.

The president's return to Caracas may signal he has taken a turn for the worse.

The public could eventually become unruly if the economic situation forces more difficult reforms.

Despite the president's absence, Caracas is moving ahead on overdue and potentially destabilizing reforms.

Economic measures to remedy food scarcity will increase political pressure on the new government.