Chavista Regime"s 26-Year Plundering of South America Nearing End

As of December 17, 2025, the Chavista regime, which has been in power for 26 continuous years, is facing significant challenges that may lead to its downfall. This regime has not only plundered the wealth of Venezuela but has also impacted the economies of South America through its alliances, particularly via the São Paulo Forum. Recent shifts in U.S. foreign policy towards a more focused approach on the Western Hemisphere are expected to accelerate this decline.

Key Details

The term "Pink Tide" refers to a wave of leftist governments that emerged in Latin America in the early 2000s, including the Chavista regime in Venezuela. This political movement is now reportedly losing momentum, as evidenced by the rise of Javier Milei in Argentina, who took office in 2023. His election is seen as a pivotal moment in the region"s political landscape.

In Colombia, the recent fall of Gustavo Petro, the country"s first leftist president, further signifies a shift away from leftist governance. Additionally, there is speculation about the potential rise of Flávio Bolsonaro, the eldest son of former President Jair Bolsonaro, who may form a coalition with traditional Brazilian elites to challenge the Workers" Party, which has been characterized as a significant force of corruption in the region.

Currently, the only remaining strongholds of the anti-American Left in Latin America are the Communist regime in Cuba and the Sandinista government in Nicaragua. This suggests a significant reduction in leftist influence across the continent.

Background

The Chavista regime, which began in 1999 under Hugo Chávez, has been criticized for its authoritarian governance and economic mismanagement, leading to widespread poverty and emigration. The São Paulo Forum, established in 1990, is a coalition of leftist political parties and movements in Latin America, which has played a role in supporting these regimes. The decline of this coalition signifies a potential shift in political power dynamics in the region.

What"s Next

The future of the Chavista regime and the broader leftist movements in South America appears uncertain. Analysts are questioning when the regime will finally collapse, with some suggesting it could happen when U.S. influence becomes more pronounced in Venezuela, symbolized by the sight of the U.S. flag alongside Venezuelan symbols in La Guaira, or when Brazil experiences its own political counter-revolution.

As these developments unfold, foreign parties and observers must remain vigilant to avoid being caught off guard by the rapidly changing political landscape in Latin America.

For more on related developments, see our coverage on Trump"s blockade on Venezuela.