Hugo Chavez is back, but in what state of health?

 After almost a month in a Cuban hospital with hardly a word to Venezuelans about his physical condition, Hugo Chávez is basking in outpourings of emotion as the faithful rejoice at their leader’s return.

But if on Monday his supporters were delighted and the opposition confounded, the revolutionary president’s reappearance has answered few if any questions about his health or his country’s future.

Looking as spirited and sprightly as ever, Chavez practically bounded down the steps of his private jet long before dawn on Monday to greet a huddle of his most faithful and trusted ministers, before breaking into song and affirming that he was “happy” and recovering well.

The sky over Caracas will roar with the sound of newly-purchased Russian fighter jets and helicopters and the city’s central avenues will be drenched in red, the signature colour of Chavez’s revolution, as followers throng to show their support and vent their euphoria at the comandante’s return.

Fears that the celebrations would have been subdued and anticlimactic in Chavez’s absence can now definitively be forgotten – they will be even more jubilant than planned. Chávez will be in his element and looks for the time being at least to have outflanked his opponents once again.

Still, the summit of regional leaders that was meant to begin tomorrow remains suspended. It would have offered an excellent opportunity for Chavez to present himself as a major power in the region – something that looks increasingly in doubt.

That will add to the nagging sense of uncertainty even as the celebrations continue. It has not been made public from what part of Chávez’s body the cancerous tumour was removed (he was originally said to be undergoing treatment on a pelvic abscess). Nor has there been any public prognosis – perhaps because none exists. Chávez may yet even have to return to Cuba for further treatment. The president may be riding high for now. But perhaps he should enjoy it while he can.