Venezuela ? Hugo Chavez wants to remain president of Venezuela for life, and this week he began campaigning for Venezuelans to lift term limits so he can run for re-election indefinitely.

“The opposition will not stop our revolution!” Chavez told hundreds of red-shirted supporters at a rally in Miranda state Tuesday night.

Chavez, 54, wants Venezuelans to approve an amendment to the constitution in February that would permit him to seek re-election in 2012 and every six years thereafter.

He’s insulted enemies and denounced capitalism as he’s turned Venezuela away from the United States and toward Cuba, Bolivia and socialism. He’s nationalized companies, taken an unfriendly television station off the air, given food subsidies to the poor and provided free studies for illiterate citizens and high school dropouts in programs known as “missions.”

During his 10 years in office, opponents have tried to force Chavez out with a coup attempt, a strike at the state oil company, a recall election and two presidential campaigns. All have failed.