Venezuela's Chavez pushes through 26 decrees

[Zorro]

Source: AP

President Hugo Chavez is aiming to set up neighborhood-based militias, move toward a socialist economy in Venezuela and increase state control over agriculture under a package of laws enacted by presidential decree.

Changes in areas from the military to small business loans were pushed through by the president in 26 laws released Monday in the official gazette. Chavez approved them on the final day of an 18-month period during which lawmakers had granted him special legislative powers.

Critics fumed that Chavez did not consult with major business groups before approving the decrees, and some warned the laws would scare off private investment and further weaken private enterprise.

"We ask the president: Why does he fear democracy?" Fedecamaras business chamber leader Jose Manuel Gonzalez said at a news conference.

Read more: http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20080805/ap_on_bi_ge/venezuela_decrees_3