In Venezuela, supporters and opponents of President Hugo Chávez’s proposal for a series of constitutional changes took to the streets this weekend in massive numbers. Chávez’s plan includes an end to presidential term limits, increasing executive powers during a state of emergency and cutting the workday from eight hours to six. The proposals go before a referendum next month. On Saturday, tens of thousands of opponents rallied against Chávez at a demonstration in Caracas. Opposition leader Óscar Pérez vowed a strong resistance to the plans.

Óscar Pérez: “Today, we begin an agenda of hitting the streets, an agenda of the National Command of Resistance to fight strong and decidedly with other organizations that are willing to hand over their lives, if necessary.”

Saturday’s rallies were followed by a larger pro-Chávez gathering of hundreds of thousands of people the next day. Venezuelan Energy Minister Rafael Ramírez addressed the crowd.

Rafael Ramírez: “We are here on the streets with happiness, without hate, and with much conviction. We are marching to show our people the majority support that we have for the reform. Yes, for reform and for the revolution.”

Venezuela’s referendum vote is scheduled for December second.