(Prensa Latina) - "Reforms to the draft Constitution under debate in Venezuela propose key changes to Art. 225 on the structure of the executive power to build a socialist society.

They include prerogatives of the president, vice presidents, government ministers and officials appointed by the Constitution and the Law.

In his August 15 address to Parliament, President Hugo Chávez proposed to substitute in Art. 185 the word National for Federal and the National Government Council as a non permanent body.

The Council will assess state, provincial, community and local projects in coordination with the National Comprehensive Development Plan and monitor program implementation and adjustments.

The president will lead the new Council, instead of the vice president under the 1999 Constitution, which substitutes the Secretary Council, and appoint the vice presidents he sees necessary along the senior vice president.

The Council membership will be the vice presidents, government ministers, governors and mayors, whom the president will be able to convene when he sees suitable".