Hugo Chávez, the Venezuelan President, has staged a triumphant return to Caracas after receiving treatment for cancer in Cuba.
The 56-year-old, who had undergone an operation to remove a cancerous tumour, hugged his vice-president and broke into song after stepping off a plane yesterday, declaring: “It’s the beginning of my return.”
Later, dressed in his trademark green army fatigues and a red beret, he addressed thousands of cheering supporters from the balcony of his presidential palace, telling them: “We will also win this battle for life.”
Holding up a crucifix, he added: “Christ is with us.”
The crowd, bedecked in the red of his ruling Socialist Party, chanted: “Oh, no! Chávez won’t go!”
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At one point Mr Chávez grimaced with apparent discomfort as he struggled to wave his country’s yellow, blue and red flag above his head. The flag ended up awkwardly draping over his scalp, until the President emerged with an embarrassed smile from the fabric.
About 30 minutes into his speech, one of his daughters stepped up to remind him of doctors’ orders that he was not to strain himself by speaking at his normal marathon length.
There had been widespread speculation about Mr Chávez’s health after he left Venezuela more than three weeks ago for medical treatment, with some political analysts questioning whether he could realistically return to office.
However, while the manner of his return was intended to quell speculation over his future, he was forced to admit that he would not be able to take part in Venezuela’s bicentennial celebrations this week.
Instead of taking part in a parade to mark the 200th anniversary of the country’s independence from Spain, he will watch it from his balcony, he said in an indication that he is still suffering from ill health.
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Earlier, Mr Chávez said he had spent “very difficult days” in Cuba but that his recovery was going well.
He told Venezuela television that he was under very strict medical supervision “with medication, rest, meals controlled”.
Hundreds of supporters celebrated in the Plaza Bolivar in downtown Caracas, the capital, holding pictures of the President and chanting “Viva Chávez!” and “He’s back!”
Caracas was festooned with freshly painted murals bearing his face and those of the country’s 19th century independence heroes. Yellow, blue and red Venezuelan flags fluttered from lampposts and over doorways under sunny skies.
Elsa Gonzalez, a 61-year-old building maintenance worker, said she had stopped cooking breakfast when she saw Mr Chávez on television at the Caracas airport.
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“I shouted with excitement,” she said as she joined the revellers in the plaza. “God is going to lay his hands on his body and is going to heal him completely.”
Elias Jaua, the vice-president, denied that the President’s socialist-inspired Bolivarian Revolution movement was threatened and said Mr Chávez would be staying at the presidential palace.
“He doesn’t need to go to the hospital at this time,” Mr Jaua said.