Carlos Berrizbeitia, a leader for opposition Proyecto Venezuela party, estimated that President Hugo Chávez' international tour from July 19 to August 2 will cost USD 186,000 per day, for a total of USD 2.7 million,

Chávez is visiting Brazil and Argentina. Then he will go to Europe and Asia, especifically to Belarus, Russia, Qatar, Iran and Vietnam. Chávez originally planned to visit North Korea, but this country was not included in his itinerary.

"The President is to expend more than USD 4,500 per day in hotels," Berrizbeitia said, adding that the Venezuelan ruler has been abroad for more than one year since he took office in 1998.

The former parliamentarian slashed out at Chávez on his double moral. Berrizbeitia said that Chávez continues to waste public monies in travels abroad, while Venezuelans face serious social and economic problems.

"In a 14-day international tour, with a 22-people entourage, including bodyguards and guests, President Chávez is to spend more than USD 2.7 million," Berrizbeitia explained.

Chávez will need 58 hours of flight (USD 1.74 million). Hotel expenses amount to USD 63,000, traveling expenses for his entourage are USD 338,800, traveling expenses for his security staff are USD 648,800.

Berrizbeitia claimed that such funds could have been used to devise and implement job plans, "which are highly necessary at the present time, when most Venezuelans have no job."