Venezuelan Member of the Latin-American and Caribbean Parliament, known as the Parlatino, Mr. Jullo Rafael Chavez Melendez paid a courtesy call on the National Council Chairperson.
In their brief discussion, Hon. Lukas Muha expressed gratitude to Venezuela and its people for their contribution to Namibia’s independence, as well as the good relations the two countries continues to enjoy. The Chairperson also highlighted the similarities between the two countries, noting the socialist economy of Venezuela’s influence on Namibia’s mixed economy, which leans towards socialism considering the many social services offered by the state such as health and education. In his response, Mr. Chavez Melendes informed the gathering that 75% of Venezuelan budget goes towards social programmes. He further echoed the sentiments of the Chairperson, citing the strength and solidarity between the nations.
In the briefing, Namibia’s bicameral Parliamentary system was discussed, with the Chairperson underscoring that although the two Houses enjoy a cordial relationship, this does not hamper the vigorous review of Bills by the Upper House. Further on separation of powers in the state functionaries, Mr. Chavez Melendes stated that in addition to the three organs of the state as is in Namibia, which are the Executive, the Judiciary and the Legislature, Venezuela has five as per their year 2000 constitution, and now includes Citizen Power and Morality and Organs of the State. This, he said, moved Venezuela from a Representative Democracy to a Participatory Democracy.
Mr. Chavez Melendes informed the Chairperson of the criminal attacks in the last couple of years, recording about 40 000 deaths. The attacks, he said, was against their economy, their people and their country by external forces. Venezuela is reported to have the world’s largest oil reserves.
Mr. Jullo Rafael Chavez Melendez, who is also serves on the National Directorate of the United Socialist Party of Venezuela (PSUV), was accompanied by Ms. Gisell Vanessa Sanchez Gomez also of the United Socialist Party of Venezuela. The two were in the country as delegates to the 7th Congress of the Swapo Party.
