CARACAS – Despite concerns about his deteriorating health, Hugo Chavez was sworn in as Venezuela’s President in a short ceremony in which he did not speak or move around all that much.
Chavez, who recently returned from cancer treatment in Cuba, arrived in Caracas tightly strapped to a wheelchair and took no questions from reporters. At the inauguration ceremony, the otherwise boisterous 58 year old appeared to nod to the crowd of 100,000 while his political staff pushed him up the steps to the podium.
Chavez was expected to speak about the nationalization of the oil industry, indigenous rights and American intervention in domestic affairs. Instead, Chavez was strangely quiet, motionless and emitting a strong odour. A thunderous applause and chants followed after one of his straps became loose, causing his head to slam against the podium.
Some Venezuelans were inspired by the non-speech. “His slouching posture sent a message that Venezuela’s resources will be protected and not be sold to American imperialists,” said supporter Arturo Roja. “Chavez has always been a good listener to the people of Venezuela and today is no exception.”
Chavez’s speech was expected to last two hours, but was cut short after three vultures landed on the podium and began pecking Chavez’s torso.
