ABSTRACT
The promulgation of the Law which reserves for the State the production and marketing of hydrocarbons marks the end of a long period of Venezuelan history. The different parties have all taken the opportunity to express their points of view. The labour movement will keep a responsibly vigilant attitude towards the nationalized oil industry, and towards those who will direct and administer it in the name of the state; our aim will be to give concrete form to the principles of social and economic democracy, for which we are constantly struggling. The nationalization of oil presents a great challenge to our country. But the men and women of Venezuela tend to grow in stature when confronted with difficulties. So, whatever extremes they may reach, the half-hidden political intrigues surrounding the process of nationalization will have no effect.
