Hugo Chavez
March 05, 2013- Hugo Chavez, President of Venezuela is having a great deal of difficulty breathing because of a new, severe infection in his respiratory system, said a member of the government of Venezuela. The statement releasing the information described Chavez’s conditions as being very delicate.
Ernesto Villegas, the Communications Minister read a brief prepared statement on Monday night on Venezuelan television. The sobering report was taken hard by the millions of supporters of the charismatic socialist leader, whose health is slowly deteriorating.
Chavez, since he left for Cuba on December 11 for additional cancer surgery, has not been seen or heard from, with the exception of photos that were deem proof of life and released in the middle of February.
Chavez was first diagnosed with cancer in June of 2011 and his surgery last December was his fourth for the still unspecified cancer located in his pelvic area.
Villegas announced Chavez is conscious about what difficulties he is faced with. While giving the statement, Villegas lashed out at what he called the corrupt right in Venezuela for the psychological war they were committing. He urged all supporters of the president, who include many thousands of armed militiamen to be prepared.
If Chavez dies, the opposition could run against a candidate from the government in an election within 30 days. The opposition said that election should have been held when Chavez did not return to Venezuela in time for the swearing in process on his inauguration day January 10, as it states in the constitution.
Even though Chavez is still alive, campaigning has started, although it has been undeclared. Nicolas Maduro, the Vice President was selected by Chavez to succeed him and told his country that if something were to happen to him they should elect Maduro as the president.
It is expected that if Chavez dies the opposition will have Henrique Capriles as their candidate. He ran and lost on October 7 of last year to Chavez in the country’s most recent election.