Rafael Antonio Caldera, who in his two terms as president helped establish democracy in Venezuela and issued the pardon that allowed Hugo Chavez to rise to power, passed away on Thursday in Caracas, his son said. He was 93.
Andres Caldera, in his comments to the Venezuelan television, did not give the cause of his father's death, but the former president who governed Venezuela from 1969-1974 and 1994-1999 had suffered from Parkinson's disease for several years.
Although 20 years divided his terms, Caldera's manner of ruling was the same: Reserved, tough with political adversaries and inclined toward populism. He was known for living simply and eschewing luxuries, and for integrity in a country where corruption is common.
In 1994, Caldera pardoned Chavez, who was jailed for leading a failed military coup two years earlier. But Caldera was later deeply at odds with Venezuela's current president. Chavez called Caldera's family to express his condolences, the son said.
Family members said they do not want the government to play any role in commemorating him. "The family has already discussed the matter, and we decided we will not accept any homage from the government of Hugo Chavez," he said.