Hugo Chavez 'clings to life' as successor jostles for power
'Bleak' update on the president's condition comes as his nominated successor Maduro begins electioneering
VENEZUELAN president Hugo Chavez is battling a "severe" new respiratory infection as he receives chemotherapy at a Caracas military hospital and struggles to recover from cancer surgery.
The 58-year-old returned a fortnight ago after two months of treatment in Cuba. He has not been seen in public this year though photos were released in mid-February showing two daughters at his bedside in Havana.
Last week the government was forced to deny reports that he had died, blaming the rumour on "far-right fascists" who wanted to destabilise the country.
Subscribe to The Week
Escape your echo chamber. Get the facts behind the news, plus analysis from multiple perspectives.
Sign up for The Week's Free Newsletters
From our morning news briefing to a weekly Good News Newsletter, get the best of The Week delivered directly to your inbox.
From our morning news briefing to a weekly Good News Newsletter, get the best of The Week delivered directly to your inbox.
The opposition, angered by the president's prolonged absence from office, organised protests in the Venezuelan capital at the weekend demanding that the government release "the truth" about the socialist leader's condition.
In response yesterday, the government insisted that Chavez was still ruling the country from his hospital bed, but admitted that his condition was now "very delicate".
"Today there is a worsening of his respiratory function, related to his depressed immune system. There is now a new, severe infection," said information minister Ernesto Villegas. "The commander-president remains clinging to Christ and to life."
The New York Times said the update was "one of the bleakest" since Chavez was diagnosed with an unspecified cancer in 2011. Since then he has had surgery four times.
As the Daily Telegraph reports, Chavez's government "has never disclosed the exact nature, location or severity of the cancer, saying only that it was in the pelvic region".
Venezuela possesses the world's largest proven oil reserves. Chavez has already chosen his successor, Vice President Nicolas Maduro, who insists that Chavez is "in good spirits" though breathing with the aid of a tracheal tube.
Chavez was re-elected president in October last year but was unable to attend his January inauguration. If he dies or stands down, a new election will pit Maduro standing against opposition candidate Henrique Capriles.
The Washington Post reports that the campaigning has already begun, with Maduro "frequently commandeering all broadcast channels Chavez-style to tout the 'revolution' and vilify the opposition".
Sign up for Today's Best Articles in your inbox
A free daily email with the biggest news stories of the day – and the best features from TheWeek.com
-
Saint Paul de Vence: a paradise for art lovers
The Week Recommends The hilltop gem in the French Riviera where 20th century modernism flourished
By Alexandra Zagalsky Published
-
'People in general want workers to earn a decent living'
Instant Opinion Opinion, comment and editorials of the day
By Justin Klawans, The Week US Published
-
What might a Trump victory mean for the global economy?
Today's Big Question A second term in office for the 'America First' administration would send shockwaves far beyond the United States' shores
By Rafi Schwartz, The Week US Published
-
Has the Taliban banned women from speaking?
Today's Big Question 'Rambling' message about 'bizarre' restriction joins series of recent decrees that amount to silencing of Afghanistan's women
By Harriet Marsden, The Week UK Published
-
Cuba's energy crisis
The Explainer Already beset by a host of issues, the island nation is struggling with nationwide blackouts
By Rebekah Evans, The Week UK Published
-
Putin's fixation with shamans
Under the Radar Secretive Russian leader, said to be fascinated with occult and pagan rituals, allegedly asked for blessing over nuclear weapons
By Harriet Marsden, The Week UK Published
-
Drugs and death threats: Venezuelan gangs in Colorado
In the Spotlight 'Troubling signs' that Latin American gangs are penetrating into the American heartland
By The Week UK Published
-
Chimpanzees are dying of human diseases
Under the radar Great apes are vulnerable to human pathogens thanks to genetic similarity, increased contact and no immunity
By Harriet Marsden, The Week UK Published
-
Deaths of Jesse Baird and Luke Davies hang over Sydney's Mardi Gras
The Explainer Police officer, the former partner of TV presenter victim, charged with two counts of murder after turning himself in
By Austin Chen, The Week UK Published
-
Quiz of The Week: 24 February - 1 March
Puzzles and Quizzes Have you been paying attention to The Week's news?
By Sorcha Bradley, The Week UK Published
-
Will mounting discontent affect Iran election?
Today's Big Question Low turnout is expected in poll seen as crucial test for Tehran's leadership
By Sorcha Bradley, The Week UK Published