Lawmakers gave Nicolas Maduro decree power on economic issues . The move came after the opposition boycotted a vote in parliament to elect Maduro's vice president and other top officials. `` We are re-establishing prices so that the people 's economic rights are respected , '' he says . But behind the blustery rhetoric , there may be hints at a more pragmatic approach , said David Smilde , a Venezuela expert and senior fellow at the Washington Office on Latin America . Some fear he is putting the country on a socialist path , others call it a political ploy .
Lawmakers gave Nicolas Maduro decree power on economic issues . The move came after the opposition boycotted a vote in parliament to elect Maduro's vice president and other top officials. `` We are re-establishing prices so that the people 's economic rights are respected , '' he says . Some fear he is putting the country on a socialist path , others call it a political ploy .