Venezuela has delayed the third-term swearing-in ceremony of President Hugo Chávez as he continues to receive medical treatment in Cuba. Chávez has been in Cuba for nearly a month undergoing and recovering from his fourth surgery for cancer. On Tuesday, the head of Venezuela’s National Assembly, Diosdado Cabello, confirmed Chávez is not well enough to make it back in time for Thursday’s swearing-in.

Diosdado Cabello: “The commander president has asked us to inform you that, in accordance with the recommendations of the medical team that is taking care of re-establishing his health, the process of post-operative recovery will extend further than January 10 of this year. Because of this, he will not be able to appear on that day in front of the National Assembly.”

The delay has sparked a heated dispute between the government and the political opposition, with Chávez’s foes arguing that Cabello should assume the presidency as head of the National Assembly should Chávez fail to be sworn in.