Venezuela's Congress paves way for Maduro decree powers [View all]

[Bacchus4.0]

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


CARACAS (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.