Chavez’s Controversial Moves to Jumpstart Economy

In recent weeks President Hugo Chavez of Venezuela has devalued the currency, which in turn has spurred a rush on shopping for imported goods because retailers will inevitably raise prices. In response, the government has shut down or taken over private companies for what it considers price gouging. This past weekend, the government has also silenced some of the voice of the opposition by kicking a channel off the airwaves. Michael Shifter, vice president for policy at the Inter-American Dialogue, explains why this matters.

Video edited by Larisa Epatko