Humberto Calderón Berti met again with the Venezuelan diaspora in Madrid during an event moderated by Miguel Henrique Otero, president editor of The National. From there, he spoke about his next book and his experiences in Venezuelan politics and in the oil industry, where he has developed his career.
Calderón Berti said that during the pandemic a concern was born to do something that would become of interest so that Venezuelan youth would be interested in the country’s history. This is how he got the idea to write about his experience in the oil industry and his work as president of the Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries.
«It was an illusion that I had to write about my experience in OPEC. I thought of writing something that I have lived directed towards young people. It is oil history because I had to play a non-starring role, but as a witness”, said Calderón Berti.
Memories of Calderon Berti
He recalled how steps were taken to achieve the consolidation of an oil industry that was successful. In addition, she explained that she remembers that time with nostalgia because it was a time of growth for Venezuela: «I remember that with great nostalgia and sadness. Because now we live in a country in conflict and that is a very sad thing.
He maintained that little by little the industry was declining and commented that one of the first things that caused him great losses of money was the Venezuelan Hydrocarbons Law of 1943, which was marked by two important events: the nationalization of the oil industry of Mexico and the outbreak of World War II.
He stressed that another year that marked the oil sector was 1971 with the Reversion Law. He claimed that by 1970, Venezuela was producing 3.7 million barrels of oil per day. After the enactment of the law that production fell. He pointed out that, in his opinion, the results of that situation were what prompted the arrival of Hugo Chávez to power. “With the approval of the Reversion Law, Copei and AD fell to populism and investments in Venezuela are closed,” he mentioned.
He pointed out that due to the difficulties that the country began to have, there was an exaggerated increase in statism. “It was a statism that worked as long as the oil wealth provided for it,” he said. In this sense, he insisted that the State should only establish the rules of the game so that the economy works, but it should not be part of the game.
The recuperation
Currently, he commented that despite the fact that the industry is facing difficulties, the country can recover. However, he maintained that a new strategy will have to be considered with respect to Petróleos de Venezuela (PDVSA) because he believes that private investment will have to be taken into account.
He also referred to the current political situation in the country. He assured that it is not true that Venezuela is improving. He emphasized that “it is unfortunate that all leaders speak of primaries.” In his opinion, it is unlikely that the opposition will win an election while the government of Nicolás Maduro controls the Electoral Power.
He pointed out that the right to vote of the more than six million Venezuelans abroad is not being considered. “My right as a Venezuelan does not end at a border,” she said.
Similarly, he spoke about corruption in the country and indicated that there must be justice for those who, in his opinion, “have robbed us all, but especially the poorest.”
“Those who are there have to give answers, but also those who are here walking around,” he said. “If we do what we have to do with integrity and values, Venezuela will take off,” she added.
He referred to the complaint he made as ambassador appointed by the National Assembly in 2015 regarding alleged corruption in Monómeros. He has no doubt that he fulfilled his duty. “You have to say when things are wrong. One fulfills the duty of conscience. It is impressive that the majority of Venezuelans want a change, but do not put their hopes in the G4”, he pointed out.
Finally, he regretted that for his statements they have attacked him from some political factors. However, he understands that the majority of Venezuelans do not feel identified with those political parties. For this reason, he expressed his rejection of the use of unity within the opposition to attack the criticism made of the leadership. “The G4 does not have to be a representative of the Venezuelan opposition because the majority of Venezuelans do not belong to any of those parties,” he concluded.