It's no secret that in Venezuela there is no division of powers and that many functionaries have put on blinders when looking at irregularities because they benefit from the revolution and its corruption.

I think 40 is a good age to run a country. But I've always been fast.

The country is in the worst conditions ever in its history. It's unjustifiable that in a country with the largest petroleum reserves on the planet, 70% of the food we eat is imported ... that there are 700,000 families in extreme poverty who go to bed hungry every night.

The foreign policy of this government is driven by politics - to extend a revolution worldwide. My objective with regards to foreign relations is to benefit all Venezuelans.

Venezuelans have a deep democratic conviction. If the government hotheads ventured out to stir violence they would encounter the armed forces. I don't believe the armed forces respond to a political party.

The best university is the university of life.

I have never lost an election yet. I am a winner. Let's just say that.