In the aftermath of the referendum defeat, many questions are posed for the future of Chavez's 'socialist' revolution. Will the strengthened right-wing opposition feel emboldened enough to strike another blow or will the working class, urban poor and peasant masses take the defeat as a sign that they must now move independently to defend and extend the gains won under Chavez? What is necessary to achieve this?
MIchael O'Brien, who visited Venezuela in 2006 as part of the CWI's delegation during the World Social Forum, will speak outlining the background to the latest developments and the prospects for the next period