President Hugo Chavez is in critical condition as he has developed a severe breathing problem, Venezuela government announced Monday.

Hundreds of protesters went out into the streets last weekend demanding to hear about the health status of the president.

Following the protest, Venezuela government Monday said that the president has adopted a severe new respiratory infection that has deteriorated the president's health.

Disclosing the latest official assessment of the president's health condition, Venezuela's Information Minister Ernesto Villegas said that the president's health was in a critical stage, with the worsening of his respiratory function.

"The president has been receiving high-impact chemotherapy, along with other complementary treatments ... his general condition continues to be very delicate," said the minister, according to the Guardian.

Amid rumors about the demise of the president, Venezuela government last Friday declared that the president was not dead but battling for his life.

"There he is, continuing his fight, his battle, and we are sure of victory!" Reuters quoted Elder brother of the President Adan Chavez, as saying.

While rejecting the death, Chavez's son in law, Jorge Arreaza blamed the right wing political group behind the absurd rumors.

"The launching of absurd and bizarre rumors by the right wing simply discredits them and isolates them further from the people," said Jorge Arreaza.

Hugo Chavez is 58 years old and battling for his life in a military hospital since he was transfered from Cuba after fourth operation for an unspecified Cancer last month.

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