Growing Stronger

(Fox News) - A longtime ally of Hugo Chavez says new constitutional amendments allowing the Venezuelan president to run for reelection indefinitely — and broadening his powers — amount to "a coup d'etat."

Former Defense Minister Raul Baduel helped Chavez return to power after an attempted coup in 2002 — and served in his cabinet until last July. The new constitutional changes have passed the National Assembly and will be voted on next month. Baduel says they are — "carrying along the people like sheep to the slaughterhouse."

Chavez responded by calling Baduel "one more traitor," and says, "It's the end of Baduel — the moral end."