Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro granted the power to govern by decree

Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro has been granted the power to govern by decree until December 31,2015

The measure was approved by the National Assembly, where Mr Maduro has a majority.

Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro requested the approval of the Enabling Law after the United States issued new sanctions against Venezuelan officials.

National Assembly president Diosdado Cabello led a group of politicians who went in person to hand over the new legislation to Nicolas  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."
Nicolas 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  Nicolas Maduro.
"This legislation gives me the power to defend peace and sovereignty."

The new legislation grants Nicolas 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.


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.
"The National Assembly cannot give up its powers in important matters such as sovereignty."
The opposition says he is using the incident to amass power and divert attention from the economic crisis.