Venezuela's Chavez Seeks Decree Powers for 1 Year
VOA News
14 December 2010
Venezuelan President Hugo Chavez has asked his country's Congress to grant him special powers to enact laws by decree for one year.
Vice President Elias Jaua Tuesday made the request on behalf of the president. The request was presented to the outgoing National Assembly, which is dominated by President Chavez's allies. The legislators are expected to approve the measure, which would give the president the ability to use such powers for the fourth time since he took office 11 years ago.
Mr. Chavez has said he wants to increase the sales tax to raise funds for reconstruction. The president wants to use the authorization to ensure approval of laws aimed at helping the country recover from severe weather that has left thousands homeless and in government shelters.
Also Tuesday, dozens of Chavez opponents massed outside the legislature to protest the measure. One opposition politician was quoted as saying the president is consolidating himself as a dictator.
Back in September, the opposition gained ground in parliamentary elections, winning more than 60 seats.
Venezuela's new legislature will face a series of problems such as rising inflation and unemployment, as well as an increase in violent crime due in part to the illegal drug trade.
Some information for this report was provided by AP, AFP and Reuters.
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