The Venezuelan government extended a state of economic emergency that allows the president to rule by decree.

The move extends, for the fourth time, President Nicolas Maduro's emergency powers for a period of 60 days, Xinhua reported.

“Given the extraordinary circumstances in social, economic and political areas that negatively impact constitutional order, peace, national security, public institutions and citizens, the state of emergency was extended,” said the government gazette.

Venezuela's opposition holds the majority of seats in parliament, and the decree allows Maduro to bypass legislative gridlock.

For the first time Maduro announced a state of economic emergency in the country on January 14.