Chavez makes majestic return to Venezuela
Source: Agencies |
July 6, 2011, Wednesday
|
Print Edition
Print Edition
PRESIDENT Hugo Chavez received a hero's welcome as he rallied thousands of supporters upon his return to Venezuela, vowing to beat cancer after undergoing surgery in Cuba.
Wearing the combat fatigues and red beret of his army days, Chavez projected strength as he spoke from the balcony of the presidential palace in Caracas on Monday, waving to the crowd below and raising a fist.
The charismatic president, whose three-week absence spurred a flurry of rumors, delivered a signature performance: the booming voice, the socialist-inspired speech as well as the visceral connection with his audience that inspired rock concert-like frenzy. "We will also win this battle for life," Chavez said. "We will live! We will be victorious!"
Nonetheless, signs of Chavez's fragile health peeked through the stagecraft.
At one point, the 56-year-old leader grimaced with apparent discomfort as he struggled to wave his country's yellow, blue and red flag above his head. About 30 minutes into the speech, one of his daughters stepped up to remind him of doctors' orders that he not strain himself by speaking at his normal, marathon length.
His surprise return in the wee hours of Monday morning sent a powerful message that Chavez remains in control.
While he was away for nearly a month in Cuba, uncertainty swirled in Venezuela, both about how sick he is and what would happen if cancer were to force him from power.
Chavez addressed those doubts head-on, providing more details about his illness as he addressed the crowd. He embraced two of his daughters on the balcony, where he was also joined by two of his grandchildren and his elder brother, Adan.
"Beloved Venezuelan people, I'm sure you understand perfectly the difficulties of this battle," Chavez told the mass of supporters. "No one should believe that my presence here... means that we've won the battle."
The long-term political impacts of cancer for a leader who thrives on the spotlight remain unclear. But Chavez will likely play up his plight to rally his movement as he looks ahead to 2012 elections, in which he'll seek to extend his nearly 13-year rule.
Wearing the combat fatigues and red beret of his army days, Chavez projected strength as he spoke from the balcony of the presidential palace in Caracas on Monday, waving to the crowd below and raising a fist.
The charismatic president, whose three-week absence spurred a flurry of rumors, delivered a signature performance: the booming voice, the socialist-inspired speech as well as the visceral connection with his audience that inspired rock concert-like frenzy. "We will also win this battle for life," Chavez said. "We will live! We will be victorious!"
Nonetheless, signs of Chavez's fragile health peeked through the stagecraft.
At one point, the 56-year-old leader grimaced with apparent discomfort as he struggled to wave his country's yellow, blue and red flag above his head. About 30 minutes into the speech, one of his daughters stepped up to remind him of doctors' orders that he not strain himself by speaking at his normal, marathon length.
His surprise return in the wee hours of Monday morning sent a powerful message that Chavez remains in control.
While he was away for nearly a month in Cuba, uncertainty swirled in Venezuela, both about how sick he is and what would happen if cancer were to force him from power.
Chavez addressed those doubts head-on, providing more details about his illness as he addressed the crowd. He embraced two of his daughters on the balcony, where he was also joined by two of his grandchildren and his elder brother, Adan.
"Beloved Venezuelan people, I'm sure you understand perfectly the difficulties of this battle," Chavez told the mass of supporters. "No one should believe that my presence here... means that we've won the battle."
The long-term political impacts of cancer for a leader who thrives on the spotlight remain unclear. But Chavez will likely play up his plight to rally his movement as he looks ahead to 2012 elections, in which he'll seek to extend his nearly 13-year rule.
- About Us
- |
- Terms of Use
- |
-
RSS - |
- Privacy Policy
- |
- Contact Us
- |
- Shanghai Call Center: 962288
- |
- Tip-off hotline: 52920043
- 沪ICP证：沪ICP备05050403号-1
- |
- 互联网新闻信息服务许可证：31120180004
- |
- 网络视听许可证：0909346
- |
- 广播电视节目制作许可证：沪字第354号
- |
- 增值电信业务经营许可证：沪B2-20120012
Copyright © 1999- Shanghai Daily. All rights reserved.Preferably viewed with Internet Explorer 8 or newer browsers.
