(Image Source: Al Jazeera ) BY JOHN O’CONNOR ANCHOR NATHAN BYRNE Venezuelan President Hugo Chavez is said to be having trouble breathing as the government says his respiratory infection has become more severe. CNN has more . “In a televised statement, Venezuela’s information minister describes the complication as respiratory insufficiency. Chavez has been in a Cuban hospital after having cancer surgery more than three weeks ago … ”  The 58-year-old socialist leader has not been seen publicly since that surgery — his fourth such operation for an undisclosed form of cancer in his pelvic region.  Venezuela’s information minister says the sensitive surgery has been followed by unexpected complications, which in turn … “ … resulted in a respiratory deficiency that requires Chavez to remain in a strict compliance with his medical treatment. The government of Venezuela reiterates its confidence in the medical team taking care of the president.”   But the BBC notes , with an upcoming inauguration critics are demanding more information. “There's been much speculation about Mr Chavez's health, following Sunday's announcement of new complications. As rumours swirled opposition politicians have been accusing Venezuela's government of concealing the truth about his condition.”  According to the Guardian , “Chávez is still set to be sworn in on 10 January, as spelled out in the constitution. If he were to die or had to step aside, new elections would be held within 30 days.”  While the constitution sets January 10 as the beginning of a new presidential term, it doesn’t explain what is to happen if a president-elect can’t take office on that date.