Chavez health: opposition will react "calmly but firmly" As Venezuelan President Hugo Chavez's health remains a closely guarded secret, opposition leader Ramon Guillermo Aveledo told the AFP the opposition would react "calmly but firmly" if the government does not recognise Chavez's mandate has ended if he cannot take the oath of office on January 10th. Aveledo said that constitutionally, it should be the president of the Parliament who takes over the reins of government in that case (rather than vice president Nicolas Maduro). Images and soundbites.