This article is from the source 'bbc' and was first published or seen on . It last changed over 40 days ago and won't be checked again for changes.

You can find the current article at its original source at http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-latin-america-31899510

The article has changed 5 times. There is an RSS feed of changes available.

Version 0 Version 1
Venezuela: President Maduro granted power to govern by decree Venezuela: President Maduro granted power to govern by decree
(about 1 hour later)
Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro has been granted the power to govern by decree until 31 December.Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro has been granted the power to govern by decree until 31 December.
The measure was approved by the National Assembly, where Mr Maduro has a majority.The measure was approved by the National Assembly, where Mr Maduro has a majority.
He requested the approval of the Enabling Law after the United States issued new sanctions against Venezuelan officials.He requested the approval of the Enabling Law after the United States issued new sanctions against Venezuelan officials.
The opposition says he is using the incident to amass power and divert attention from the economic crisis.The opposition says he is using the incident to amass power and divert attention from the economic crisis.
Mr Maduro said he needed the special powers to deal with the threat posed by the United States, which he accuses of meddling in Venezuela's affairs.Mr Maduro said he needed the special powers to deal with the threat posed by the United States, which he accuses of meddling in Venezuela's affairs.
'Weapon against critics''Weapon against critics'
National Assembly president Diosdado Cabello led a group of politicians who went in person to hand over the new legislation to Mr Maduro outside the Miraflores presidential palace.National Assembly president Diosdado Cabello led a group of politicians who went in person to hand over the new legislation to Mr Maduro outside the Miraflores presidential palace.
"They know they have made a big mistake," said National Assembly president Diosdado Cabello. "This is an act of aggression against all free countries in the world who are not willing to accept American imperialism.""They know they have made a big mistake," said National Assembly president Diosdado Cabello. "This is an act of aggression against all free countries in the world who are not willing to accept American imperialism."
Mr Maduro addressed thousands of people who joined them in an "anti-imperialist" demonstration.Mr Maduro addressed thousands of people who joined them in an "anti-imperialist" demonstration.
"They may have the power of the dollar and the power of the media, but we something they don't have: the power of integrity," said Mr Maduro."They may have the power of the dollar and the power of the media, but we something they don't have: the power of integrity," said Mr Maduro.
"This legislation gives me the power to defend peace and sovereignty.""This legislation gives me the power to defend peace and sovereignty."
Opposition politicians criticised the measure during the two-hour long debate.Opposition politicians criticised the measure during the two-hour long debate.
"This is a weapon they are giving Maduro to use against those who disagree with him," said opposition congressman Angel Medina."This is a weapon they are giving Maduro to use against those who disagree with him," said opposition congressman Angel Medina.
"The National Assembly cannot give up its powers in important matters such as sovereignty.""The National Assembly cannot give up its powers in important matters such as sovereignty."
'Defend the country''Defend the country'
Last week, relations between the two countries suffered a new blow when US President Barack Obama issued an executive order freezing the assets of seven Venezuelan officials and banning them from entering America.Last week, relations between the two countries suffered a new blow when US President Barack Obama issued an executive order freezing the assets of seven Venezuelan officials and banning them from entering America.
Mr Obama also said the situation in Venezuela, including "the government's erosion of human rights guarantees... constitutes an unusual and extraordinary threat to the national security and foreign policy of the United States".Mr Obama also said the situation in Venezuela, including "the government's erosion of human rights guarantees... constitutes an unusual and extraordinary threat to the national security and foreign policy of the United States".
Mr Maduro announced then he would seek decree powers "to defend the integrity of the country".Mr Maduro announced then he would seek decree powers "to defend the integrity of the country".
Mr Maduro says the US is behind a coup attempt being plotted against his government. The American government rejects the accusations.Mr Maduro says the US is behind a coup attempt being plotted against his government. The American government rejects the accusations.
The new legislation grants Mr Maduro powers to issue decrees matters of public security and defence.The new legislation grants Mr Maduro powers to issue decrees matters of public security and defence.
This is the second time since he took office two years ago that the National Assembly grants the president the power to govern by decree.This is the second time since he took office two years ago that the National Assembly grants the president the power to govern by decree.
Are you in Venezuela? What is your reaction to the legislation? You can share your thoughts by emailing haveyoursay@bbc.co.uk. If you are happy to be contacted by a BBC journalist please include a contact telephone number.
Have your say