Venezuela's Congress paves way for Maduro decree powers

[Zorro]

Source: Reuters

Venezuela's Congress on Tuesday stripped an opposition deputy of parliamentary immunity over corruption allegations, giving the ruling Socialist Party enough votes to approve President Nicolas Maduro's request for decree powers.

Maduro says he needs the expanded powers to fight corruption and take on what he calls an "economic war" but critics insist he already has ample power to crack down on graft and that he plans to use decrees to persecute opposition rivals.

Legislator Maria Aranguren said the government trumped up charges of embezzlement and conspiracy to commit a crime against her as part of a witch hunt meant to obtain the last vote it needed.

"I call on the government to at least pretend, don't be so obvious, at least try to make this process look like" it is about justice, she said, minutes before the vote.

Read more: http://news.yahoo.com/venezuelas-congress-paves-way-maduro-decree-powers-013544310.html

[kelliekat44]

1. Uh, and they thought Hugo was bad? nt

[Carnage251]

2. Watch out for the apologists who are gonna call you a right winger who believes media BS

[Dreamer Tatum]

3. Please give Maduro all he wants right away...this is amusing.

Sorry the Venezuelan people are suffering so, but on the other hand we are beaten over the head
by people telling us he's hugely popular and democratically elected.

[hrmjustin]

4. I can not see how anyone can defend this, and I am glad that no one hear appears to be.

[christx30]

6. This was posted kind of late at night.

Just wait until morning.

[hrmjustin]

7. I think most here will still disagree with what the president did but your right that it was posted

late.

[Carnage251]

8. Here is somebody saying good

http://election.democraticunderground.com/?com=view_post&forum=1014&pid=646913

[hrmjustin]

10. Well everyone has the right to there opinion.

[Carnage251]

12. *their

[geek tragedy]

5. Chavez was a President. Maduro is a tinhorn dictator. nt

[Bacchus4.0]

9. Rule by decree was also used by Chavez and where did that get them?

Its the government's policies and rule that are the problem, not the fact that there is a legislature.

[Ranchemp.]

11. Venezuelan govt. defenders and apologists in 3...2...1...

Gee, who didn't see this coming?