Venezuela's President Seeks Expanded Powers

Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro appears set to ask Venezuela's congress for permission to legislate by decree, a move supposedly intended to enable the president to act against government corruption. By passing a maneuver known in Venezuela as an enabling law, the National Assembly could grant Maduro the ability to pass laws without the approval of the legislature. The specific laws Maduro may pass remain unclear, though the initial target of a possible anti-corruption drive appears to be the party of former presidential challenger Henrique Capriles Radonski, the governor of Miranda state.

Legislation by decree could also be the first step toward increasing Maduro's authority among Chavista political leaders. If passed, the enabling law could give Maduro greater sway in addressing Venezuela's persistent economic and social problems.