Chavez deepens social revolution to feed the poor

VENEZUELAN president Hugo Chavez has announced plans to deepen his social “revolution” for the poor by expanding state-subsidised markets and speeding up land reform.

Speaking during his weekly television and radio show on Sunday, Mr Chavez said that by the end of this year state-run markets should be providing 15 million Venezuelans with food - or about 60% of the population of 25 million.

The government says the markets serve about 10 million Venezuelans, providing food at lower prices than standard supermarkets with the help of government subsidies. Mr Chavez, who says he is leading the country away from capitalism toward socialism, said there is a pressing need to eradicate corruption.