 Bolivarian officials predicted that following Chávez's death, Maduro would have more difficulties politically and that instability in the country would arise.Chávez appointed Maduro vice president of Venezuela on 13 October 2012, shortly after his victory in that month's presidential election.Two months later, on 8 December 2012, Chávez announced that his recurring cancer had returned and that he would be returning to Cuba for emergency surgery and further medical treatment.