Chavez angers opposition leaders

CARACAS, Venezuela - Flush with oil profits, President Hugo Chavez handed public workers $3 billion in Christmas bonuses 1 1/2 months early, angering opposition leaders who called it part of a cynical pattern of public handouts ahead of a December presidential election.

Opponents said the government spending spree includes free commuter train rides, a free rock concert, and a powerful propaganda machine that has painted pro-Chavez slogans on buses and handed out T-shirts bearing the image of the former paratroop commander known affectionately as "El Comandante."

Chavez did not attend Wednesday's ceremony where the bonuses were announced. But during the inauguration of a medical clinic broadcast on state television, he wished Venezuelans happy holidays, saying everyone would soon be singing local carols called "gaitas" and eating "hallacas," corn flour tamales wrapped in plantain leaves and shared among family and friends throughout December.

"The beginning of the holiday season: November and December. Today the gaitas begin to ring out and we can eat one or two hallacas," Chavez said.

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