Venezuela's torn PSUV holds first congress post-Chavez [View all]

[Zorro]

The United Socialist Party of Venezuela appears anything but, as it heads into its first congress since the death of founder Hugo Chavez torn by power struggles and economic woes.

The populist firebrand's hand-picked successor, President Nicolas Maduro, faces internal dissent over his leadership at the PSUV's third congress this weekend, and deep rifts have emerged over economic policies that some members blame for the severe shortages racking the country.

"At first it seemed like the strategic objective for the congress was to consolidate Maduro as political boss and unify the chain of command," said social psychologist and political analyst Colette Capriles.

"But that objective changed. The congress is going to be a confrontation between the party base and the halls of power," she told AFP.

http://news.yahoo.com/venezuelas-torn-psuv-holds-first-congress-post-chavez-020334498.html