LatinNews Daily - 08 July 2011

Development: On 8 July President Hugo Chávez did a full day's work, speaking to army cadets at a military promotion ceremony and holding a lengthy cabinet meeting, all on live TV.
 
Significance: President Chávez was back to his loquacious self and warned his opponents not to write him off, saying he was looking ahead to 2021 and that they "will never again return to govern the fatherland". Defying all expectations, he shot down rumours of a cabinet reshuffle and confirmed all his ministers plus the military high command in their positions. Some of his ministers appeared teary in his presence and there was no doubt as to who was in charge. Chávez admitted that his illness is "very difficult", but there is no sign, at least publicly, that he has any plans to delegate power down from his tight central command.