Hugo Chávez has developed a severe new respiratory infection that has left the president’s health in a very delicate condition, the Venezuelan government has announced.

Hundreds of protesters took to the streets of Caracas at the weekend demanding the government “tell the truth” about the president’s condition. Protesters accused officials of keeping from the public a full account of Chávez’s failing health.

Chávez’s breathing problems have worsened and he is suffering from a new, severe respiratory infection after undergoing cancer surgery in Cuba, Venezuela’s government said on Monday.

Reading the latest official assessment, the information minister, Ernesto Villegas, said: “Today there is a worsening of his respiratory function. Related to his depressed immune system there is now a new, severe infection.

“The president has been receiving high-impact chemotherapy, along with other complementary treatments … his general condition continues to be very delicate.”

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