The Venezuelan parliament has unanimously conferred special powers to President Hugo Chávez for the next 18 months, allowing him to legislate by decree ('ley habilitante') during this period.
Chávez began a new 6-year term as president last week, having won the December elections with 62 percent of the votes.
In his installation speech, Chavez spoke of a plan to nationalize some economic sectors, intending to nationalize “all that which was privatized”. The provision could affect the telecom company 'Cantv' as well as electrical utilities.
The president of parliament, Cilia Flores, had announced that the predient would have received special powers to launch, by decree, a number law proposals in economic, social and defense matters.
Meanwhile, parliament awaits from Chavez the announced proposal to reform the Constitution.
RSS