Venezuelan President Hugo Chavez has died: Reactions from around the world
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.It was announced last night that the Venezuelan President Hugo Chavez has died of cancer aged 58. As controversial in death, as he was in life, the news has inspired words from a variety of left- and right-wing commentators, global statesman Hollywood stars and footballers. Here are some of their words:
@MMFlint (Michale Moore): "Hugo Chavez declared the oil belonged 2 the ppl. He used the oil $ 2 eliminate 75% of extreme poverty, provide free health & education 4 all."
@Joey7Barton: Sad to hear of President Chavez's passing... RIP
@CarlBildt: "(Foreign Minister of Sweden): Hugo Chavez was undoubtedly a charismatic and strong leader, but his policies led his country astray with grave economic consequences."
Sean Penn: "Today the people of the United States lost a friend it never knew it had. And poor people around the world lost a champion," The Hollywood Reporter
Oliver Stone: ''I mourn a great hero to the majority of his people and those who struggle throughout the world for a place[...]Hated by the entrenched classes, Hugo Chavez will live forever in history." The Hollywood Reporter
@simon_price01: "RIP Hugo Chavez, an imperfect but, on balance, great man. Long live the Pink Tide, 21st century socialism, the fight against US imperialism."
@benschwartzy: "Hugo Chavez has died. The United States will be represented at the funeral by Dennis Rodman."
@TheRealRoseanne: (Roseanne Barr): "Ruling Classes hated Hugo Chavez. RIP"
@mrmarksteel: "In honour of Hugo Chavez, I suggest we install a government so popular with the masses, there are 3 failed coups against it."
Jimmy Carter: "We hope that as Venezuelans mourn the passing of President Chávez and recall his positive legacies — especially the gains made for the poor and vulnerable — the political leaders will move the country forward by building a new consensus that ensures equal opportunities for all Venezuelans to participate in every aspect of national life."
@GuidoFawkes: "Hyper-inflation in socialist Venezuela resulted in widespread food shortages, over the decade of Chávez rule inflation was over 1,800%"
@OwenJones84: "If you want to know more about Venezuelan human rights beforeHugo Chavez, type 'Caracazo' into google images. With a strong stomach."
@georgegalloway: "Farewell Comandante Hugo Chavez champion of the poor the oppressed everywhere. Modern day Spartacus. Rest in Peace."
@OliverCooper: "Venezuelan tyrant Hugo Chavez is dead. No-one is sad - except George Galloway."
@ken4london (Ken Livingstone): "The best tribute for Hugo Chavez is to redouble our efforts for a world free of exploitation and colonialism RIP."
@frankieboyle: "Hugo Chavez is dead, and the Americans would appear to be in possession of some kind of mad cancer-ray."
@timothy_stanley: "Hugo Chavez dies: socialists might see him as a saint but this charismatic conman was no angel."
Ban Ki-moon (UN secretary-general): "President [Hugo] Chavez spoke to the challenges and aspirations of the most vulnerable Venezuelans."
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments