President Hugo Chavez announced Sunday that foreigners who publicly criticize him or his regime will be expelled from Venezuela. A decision that came shortly after Manuel Espino, president of Mexico's ruling party, publicly criticized Chavez’ government at a pro-democracy conference held in Caracas

"No foreigner can come here to attack us. Anyone who does must be removed from this country," the Venezuelan president said during his weekly TV and radio program.

The former paratroop commander Hugo Chavez is becoming increasingly authoritarian in his attempt to lead the oil-rich Venezuela toward what he calls "21st-century socialism."

With his constitutional reform Mr Chavez plans to end terms limit on presidency, a political move that needs no further comment.  

He is already at his third term with support from millions of impoverished Venezuelans who back his social development policies. The proposed constitutional reforms will probably be implemented as Venezuela's National Assembly consists exclusively of politicians who support the president.

Many prosperous Venezuelans fear second their homes, yachts or other such assets could be seized but Chavez assured that the rights of the property owner will be will be guaranteed as long as owners and investors respect the law.

The Venezuelan president also announced his intention of cutting the salaries of Venezuela's top public servants saying that the $7000 limit will not be exceeded. The minimum wage in Venezuela is $250 a month.

This move comes on the background of similar procedures that became popular  in other Latin American countries such as Bolivia, Peru and Costa Rica.