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| 1999, Jan. 15–18 |
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| Pres. Chavez and Pres. Pastrana of Colombia visited Cuba on a foreign relations trip and meeting with Fidel Castro that proved very unpopular in international diplomatic circles. | 1 |
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| July 25 |
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| Chavez supporters elected a constitutional assembly of 131 members, 121 of whom were strong proponents of Chavez's policies. Forming to rewrite the Venezuelan constitution, the members of the assembly had replaced the existing elected Congress with their own appointees by August, while Chavez retained strong public support. In reaction to Chavez's pledge to dramatically close the gap between rich and poor, critics predicted the establishment of a left-wing dictatorship under his rule. | 2 |
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| Aug. 30 |
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| With public and Assembly support, Pres. Chavez took the last of the opposition-controlled legislature's powers. On Nov. 11, the Assembly suspended 75 judges and dismissed 5 others, further tightening its grip on national power. | 3 |
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| Dec. 15 |
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| Venezuela's 26th constitution since 1821 was adopted by the Assembly. | 4 |
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