EL UNIVERSAL

An intrinsic feature of democracy is an open society, with a permanent interaction between rulers and people, where the State serves all citizens without any discrimination whatsoever and with respect for constitutional principles.

Any move to seize private estates in order to confiscate, rescue or expropriate plots of lands for public or social use, requires a series of legal steps with a view to protect the rights of owners. The confiscation of 800 businesses, besides the facilities that have already been seized, has been announced, which endangers domestic production.
 
Meanwhile, the legal representatives of the corporations affected by such moves have argued that their plants are operating, and labeled the seizures as illegal.

It is obvious that the positive choices that could result from dialogue and negotiation have been left aside so far.

Therefore, the government actions to gain ground in its so-called "land revolution" have been unanimously rejected by business organizations. The Council of Industries (Conindustria), the Federation of Agricultural Producers (Fedeagro), and the Services and Trade Council (Consecomercio) adopted a common stance in a joint communiqué.

They warned that such moves could suffocate business activities and free enterprise in Venezuela. They argued that illegal and unconstitutional actions the government has taken against businesses and ranches are generating uncertainty and juridical insecurity, to the detriment of investment and job generation.
 
Meanwhile, the Federation of Trade and Industry Chambers (Fedecámaras) issued a communiqué demanding the government to halt actions against private property, alleging that officials have been abusive and acted in a discretional manner, which is an evidence that they have a goal to undermine and subdue the domestic private sector. Like other business organizations, however, Fedecámaras insisted that there is a need to come to terms with the government in order to overcome hurdles and foster active participation.

Several bi-national trade chambers also share this viewpoint. It is therefore apparent that, despite confrontation, the private sector is willing to work for consensus and harmony. This is the better way, undoubtedly.

Translated by Maryflor Suárez R.