In hungry Venezuela, soup propels evangelist’s presidential run

Bloomberg

The main attraction at Javier Bertucci’s presidential campaign rally wasn’t the Christian hip hop, the interpretive dancers or even the bouncy castle. It was the soup.
The 48-year-old Venezuelan televangelist came to the seaside community of Catia La Mar with vats of hearty beef stew that drew hundreds of hungry people carrying plastic containers and cups. He has spent months on house arrest and he has amassed sprawling business ventures even while holding his Pentecostal pulpit. The sources of his campaign’s financial support are unclear. But food conquers all.
“I came to give out hugs, kisses, soup and hope,” Bertucci called out. “I’ve never been a politician, and thank God for that!”
With most opposition parties boycotting what they say will be a rigged vote on May 20, Bertucci’s promise of a Christian crusade to restore the stricken nation has rising appeal. Despite never holding office, the newcomer is polling near 10 percent, underscoring how little faith Venezuelans have in traditional politicians to remedy their woes. And while Bertucci stands little chance of ousting President Nicolas Maduro, his campaign is sapping support from Henri Falcon, a one-time regime supporter turned critic.
The main opposition alliance shunned the election after the government failed to satisfy demands that included restaffing a compliant electoral authority and providing additional time for primaries.
Falcon, a former governor and soldier, remains the most popular candidate, but analysts say polls don’t account for apathy brought on by an authoritarian incumbent and brutal economic collapse.
“For the first time, there is an overriding doubt about the legitimacy of an election since its inception,” said Carlos Romero, a political scientist at the Central University of Venezuela in Caracas. “The nation is asleep, occupying itself with survival.”
The strongest opposition figures, activist Leopoldo Lopez and two-time presidential contender Henrique Capriles, are banned from the ballot on dubious charges. The government has been sanctioned and isolated after being accused last year of a litany of electoral dirty tricks, from last-minute polling-station moves to stuffing ballot boxes. And hunger, mass emigration and general immiseration have created fertile ground for Bertucci’s pledge to replace bitter politics with “Christian values.”
His April 26 rally in Catia La Mar was carnivalesque. White-clad crowds danced and waved their arms under a fiery sun while volunteers painted children’s faces and provided medical services to the elderly.
“Both spiritually and politically, he’s the man best suited to bring change,” said Daniela Murga, 43-year-old poultry vendor. After years of the socialist government and opposition trading blame, “they’re all complicit in this mess.” Bertucci has a loyal following thanks to the megachurch he pastored in the central state of Carabobo.
His devotees aren’t dissuaded. “Everyone has a past,” said Victor Sarria, 44-year-old bricklayer, shading himself with a Bertucci poster.