A family affair

[Zorro]

<snip>

The dynasty was saved and its members had come to give thanks - one shiny sports utility vehicle after another turned into Plaza Bolivar to deposit a Chávez in front of the church.

A brass band struck up Venezuela's national anthem and throngs of supporters in red T-shirts reached out to touch the triumphant clan as it made its way to the front of the altar. President Hugo Chávez was in the capital, Caracas, but his parents and five brothers were in Barinas this week to celebrate their continued rule over a rural fiefdom dubbed the cradle of the Bolivarian revolution.

The president's father, Hugo de los Reyes, was handing over the state governor's reins to his eldest son, Adan. "Thanks be to God," beamed the relieved patriarch.

Not everyone was feeling grateful. A rebellion almost toppled the clan in regional elections last month and there have been cries - though so far no proof - of ballot box fraud.

It is the latest allegation against the so-called "royal family of Barinas". The family has long been accused of nepotism, corruption and tainting the principles of Latin America's leading leftist experiment.

<snip>

More at: http://www.guardian.co.uk/world/2008/dec/06/chavez-family-venezuela

[Zorro]

1. Bump

for the Chavistas.