Courtesy of: Reuters

This week: Chávez’s health remains in the news as he returned to Cuba for surgery after naming Maduro as his successor; following Chávez’s announcement many Venezuelans wonder if his socialist legacy is coming to an end; Maduro wipes away tears while speaking to supporters about the president’s health; investors and Venezuelans alike begin to envision a nation without Chávez; and Venezuelan bonds soar as many believe Chávez will be unable to complete his third term. Meanwhile, Maduro tells Venezuelans that Chávez’s cancer surgery was “complex and difficult”; Venezuela’s membership in Mercosur raises leftists concerns that the government may ignore the free trade agreement known as ALBA; and due to Chávez’s “complex” recovery, he many not recover in time to be sworn in for his third term next month. Lastly, according to doctors, Chávez’s cancer is most likely terminal given the re-occurrence of his disease.

Venezuela’s Hugo Chavez, facing a 4th cancer surgery, anoints successor in case he has to leave office, Washington Post

Venezuelan President Hugo Chavez will undergo his fourth cancer surgery in Cuba in the coming days, the fiery leader said over the weekend, explaining that he had decided to designate a successor in case the illness forces him to resign from the office he has held for nearly 14 years.

Venezuela Confronts Twilight of Chávez Era, The Wall Street Journal

CARACAS—Venezuela is embarking on a period of deep political uncertainty after President Hugo Chávez announced over the weekend that his cancer had returned and for the first time named a successor, suggesting that his disease could be terminal and his 14-year-grip on power coming to an end.

Venezuelans (and Investors) Ponder a Life Without Chávez, The Wall Street Journal

CARACAS—Venezuelan President Hugo Chávez traveled to Cuba on Monday to prepare for emergency surgery to treat a new malignant tumor, while financial markets and ordinary Venezuelans began to think about how the oil-rich country might change if the former tank commander loses his battle for life

Venezuelan vice president steps into void, wiping tears, while Chavez set for cancer surgery, Washington Post

CARACAS, Venezuela — Venezuelan President Hugo Chavez’s cancer relapse and his sudden announcement that he will undergo a fourth cancer-related surgery in Cuba have thrown the country’s future into question, and his designated political heir has begun trying to fill the void.

Venezuelan Bonds Soar on Chavez Cancer Recurrence: Andes Credit, Bloomberg Businessweek

Venezuelan bonds surged, sending benchmark yields to a five-year low, as speculation mounted that President Hugo Chavez will be unable to complete his third term after he acknowledged a recurrence of his cancer.

Venezuela VP: Hugo Chavez recovering after surgery, USA Today

CARACAS, Venezuela (AP) — Venezuelan President Hugo Chavez was recovering in Cuba on Tuesday after an operation targeting an aggressive cancer that has defied multiple treatments and has prompted the socialist leader to name a political successor.

Venezuela’s membership in Mercosur raises debate, Press TV

Venezuela became the fifth member of Mercosur after member states Argentina, Brazil and Uruguay suspended Paraguay’s membership last June due to Paraguayan President Fernando Lugo’s removal from office.

Venezuela’s Chavez May Not Recover in Time for New Term, Bloomberg Businessweek

Venezuelan President Hugo Chavez is facing a “complex” recovery from cancer surgery and may not be well again in time to be sworn in for a third term next month, Information Minister Ernesto Villegas said

Preparing to pass the torch, The Economist

WHEN campaigning for a new six-year term earlier this year, Hugo Chávez tried to persuade Venezuelans that he was cured of unspecified “pelvic” cancer, first diagnosed in June 2011. “I’ve forgotten all about that,” he bragged, just days before the election on October 7th, which he won with 55% of the vote.

Outlook for Chávez Darkens, Doctors Say, The Wall Street Journal

Venezuelan President Hugo Chávez’s cancer is most likely terminal given the disease’s recurrences, and while the president may bounce back for periods, his health is increasingly at risk, say several leading cancer specialists not involved in the treatment.