(Caracas) – President Hugo Chavez has died after a two-year battle with cancer, ending 14 years of tumultuous and divisive rule that won him passionate support among the poor. Weeping Chavez supporters poured onto the streets, chanting ‘Chavez lives! The revolution continues!’ and ‘We are Chavez!’
The flamboyant 58-year-old had undergone four operations in Cuba for a cancer that was first detected in his pelvic region in mid-2011. He vanished from public view after Dec. 11 surgery that resulted in complications and respiratory infections.
‘It’s a moment of deep pain,’ said Vice President Nicolas Maduro, choking up during a national address. ‘Commander, thank you so much, on behalf of these people whom you protected.’ Maduro, will be caretaker leader until elections are called within 30 days.
