World
In recent weeks, president Hugo Chavez has frequently warned the tycoon that he could nationalize the brewer and food maker in his economic war on the bourgeoise
Updated : Jun 14, 2010, 03:15 PM IST
Chavez, an avowed foe of US ''imperialism,'' did not provide evidence to back the claim that the owner of Empresas Polar had political ambitions, saying only that the billionaire should think carefully before jumping into politics because the government controlled grain supplies.
"Lorenzo Mendoza wants to be president, and the Yankees are guiding him," he said. "Polar depends on whether or not I sell it corn."
In recent weeks, Chavez has frequently warned the tycoon that he could nationalize the brewer and food maker in his economic war on the bourgeoise. He has already nationalized dozens of companies, including multi-billion dollar oil projects.
“Careful
The attacks on
Polar was founded in 1941 by
The socialist president who has been in office for over 11 years is likely to run again in the next leadership elections in 2012. The elections for legislators in September are seen as an important test of support for opposition parties, who are running unity candidates but have no clear leader going forward.
Chavez has already nationalized some warehouses belonging to Polar and frequently threatens to take over more of the oil exporting country's main private employer. Many Polar workers oppose a government take-over and analysts think it would be a mistake for Chavez to tackle the company.
On Saturday, he said he was considering raising taxes on beer and cigarettes, and warned
Nationalizing Polar would be an unpopular move, but that does not mean Chavez will not do it. In 2007, he refused to renew a broadcasting license for the nation's most popular TV station, despite opposition from his own supporters.