Chavez to usher in 'maximum revolution'

CARACAS, Venezuela (AP) -- A congress wholly loyal to President Hugo Chavez approved a law today granting him authority to enact sweeping measures by decree.

Meeting at a downtown plaza in a session that resembled a political rally, lawmakers unanimously approved all four articles of the law by a show of hands.

"Viva President Hugo Chavez, long live socialism," National Assembly President Cilia Flores said as she proclaimed the law approved. "Fatherland, socialism or death. We will prevail."

Mr. Chavez, who is beginning a fresh six-year term, says the legislation will be the start of a new era of "maximum revolution" during which he will consolidate Venezuela's transformation into a socialist society. His critics are calling it a radical lurch toward authoritarianism by a leader with unchecked power.