Hugo Chávez was a Venezuelan politician who served as the President of Venezuela from 1999 until his death in 2013. He was known for his socialist policies and efforts to reduce poverty in the country. Chávez implemented programs that focused on education, healthcare, and housing, often funded by Venezuela's oil wealth. His leadership style was charismatic, and he was a controversial figure both domestically and internationally. Chávez was a founding member of the Bolivarian Revolution, which aimed to promote social justice and economic equality. He often criticized the United States and sought to strengthen ties with other leftist governments in Latin America, such as Cuba. His presidency was marked by significant political polarization and economic challenges.