Lula backs Chávez's democracy; third presidential term

Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva jumped in defense of his Venezuelan counterpart Hugo Chávez when saying that democracy in Venezuela or Chávez's eagerness to remain in office for a third term could not be criticized.

Lula claimed that the criticism made to the changes to the Constitution advanced by Chávez and including indefinite presidential reelection was not made in the past with regard to the consecutive terms in office of multiple European leaders, such as Margaret Thatcher or Felipe González, AFP quoted.

"People complain about Chávez wanting a third term. Why did nobody complain when (ex British Prime Minister) Margaret Thatcher spent so many years in power?" Lula wondered.

"Please, invent anything to criticize Chávez, except for lack of democracy. I have being in office for five years and run twice for president and twice for mayor. As far as I am concerned, during that very period, there have been three referendums, three elections and four plebiscites. Everything but discussion lacks in Venezuela," Lula said.