Hugo Chávez first came to power in Venezuela after winning the presidential election on 6 December 1998, and he formally assumed office as president on 2 February 1999.

Key dates

  • Election victory: Chávez was elected president on 6 December 1998, becoming the youngest president in Venezuelan history at that time.
  • Took office: He was inaugurated and officially took power as president on 2 February 1999.

Quick historical context

  • His rise marked the beginning of a new political era in Venezuela often called the Bolivarian Revolution , centered on a new constitution and expanded presidential powers.
  • During his first years in power, he pushed through a new constitution in 1999, which restructured political institutions and extended presidential terms, consolidating his control.

“Quick Scoop” style takeaway

  • If the question is “when did Chávez come to power,” the short, practical answer is:
    • Politically: with his election on 6 December 1998.
* Legally/institutionally: when he was sworn in on 2 February 1999.

In most news and historical discussions, people mean his 1998 election win as the moment he “came to power,” while official state power began with his 1999 inauguration.