The Venezuelan Parliament has voted to give President Hugo Chavez special powers to deal with the aftermath of devastating floods. He will be able to pass laws by decree for 18 months. President Chavez said, he needs the power to address the emergency caused by the floods that have left more than a hundred thousand people homeless. He said, he already has 20 decrees drawn up including laws to increase taxes and build thousands of new homes. Critics accuse of taking advantage of the floods to tighten his grip on power before a new congress with much greater opposition representation. Chavez has made it clear he will also use his decree powers to deepen his socialist revolution.