Chavez vows to turn Venezuela into socialist state

PRESIDENT Hugo Chavez echoed Fidel Castro’s cry of ‘‘socialism or death’’ as he was sworn in for a new six-year term yesterday, promising to accelerate Venezuela’s transformation into a socialist state.

Chavez took the oath of office at the National Assembly after a sweeping re-election victory that has given him free reign to pursue more radical changes, including plans to nationalise power and telecommunications companies.

Chavez declared: ‘‘Fatherland, socialism or death — I swear it,’’ invoking the Cuban leader’s famous call to arms.

Chavez also alluded to Jesus, saying: ‘‘I swear by Christ — the greatest socialist in history.’’

In a speech that followed, he said the central aim of his term will be “to build Venezuelan socialism”.

“I don’t have the slightest doubt that is the only path to the redemption of our peoples, the salvation of our fatherland,” Chavez told lawmakers.

He said he believes that socialism is the only way to guarantee well-being not only for Venezuela, but the world.

He said a commission was being formed to oversee proposed constitutional reforms, including one that would allow “indefinite re-election” by doing away with presidential term limits that bar him from running again in 2012.

Chavez also said he would ask the National Assembly, solidly dominated by his allies, for special powers allowing him to enact a series of “revolutionary laws” by decree.

Addressing Venezuela’s top Catholic prelate, Cardinal Jorge Urosa Savino, Chavez said he could not understand why the church supported Radio Caracas Television, which Chavez accuses of subversive activities aimed at ousting him.

“The church should respect the state. I wouldn’t like to return to the times of confrontation with Venezuelan bishops, but it’s not up to me. It’s up to the Venezuelan bishops,” Chavez said.