Hugo Chavez fighting for his life, says Venezuela vice president

Hugo Chavez is fighting for his life, Venezuelan Vice President Nicolas Maduro told local television on Thursday, the BBC reported.

Maduro, Chavez’s appointed successor, said his boss was “battling there for his health, for his life, and we’re accompanying him,” the Associated Press reported.

Chavez, 58, has not been seen in public since undergoing his fourth cancer operation in Cuba on Dec. 11.

He returned to Venezuela mid-February and is reportedly suffering from a severe respiratory infection, the BBC said.

Reuters reported Tuesday that most Venezuelans believe their leader will recover from his ilness and return to active rule.

Local pollster Hinterlaces said 60 percent of interviewees believe Chavez will be cured and back to governing.

Only 12 percent believe his condition is incurable.

More from GlobalPost: Thousands celebrate Chavez on revolt anniversary
 

Help keep The World going strong!

The article you just read is free because dedicated readers and listeners like you chose to support our nonprofit newsroom. Our team works tirelessly to ensure you hear the latest in international, human-centered reporting every weekday. But our work would not be possible without you. We need your help.

Make a gift today to help us reach our $25,000 goal and keep The World going strong. Every gift will get us one step closer.