Brazilian President Lula Undergoes Emergency Surgery After Brain Hemorrhage

On early Tuesday, Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva was rushed to a hospital in Sao Paulo for emergency surgery after doctors discovered a brain bleed linked to a fall he suffered in October. He is now stable, conscious, and in the intensive care unit (ICU), where he will remain for the next 48 hours, according to a medical statement released by the government.

The surgery, aimed at draining the intracranial hemorrhage, was successful, and Lula’s medical team is closely monitoring his recovery. A press conference with doctors is scheduled for 9 a.m. local time to provide more details about the president’s condition.

Lula, who is midway through his third non-consecutive term, has faced growing health concerns in recent months. In late October, he suffered trauma to the back of his head after a fall at home, requiring stitches. While his condition appeared stable in early November, he had curtailed travel, including canceling a planned visit to Russia for a BRICS summit due to medical advice.

On Monday, Lula complained of a severe headache during a meeting with congressional leaders. An MRI scan revealed the bleeding on his brain, prompting his transfer to Sao Paulo for surgery at the Sirio Libanes Hospital. After the procedure, Lula regained consciousness but went back to sleep as the anesthesia wore off.

Vice President Geraldo Alckmin, who was scheduled to be in Sao Paulo, has returned to Brasilia to take over Lula’s official duties, including a visit from Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico. While Lula remains in the ICU, it’s uncertain whether he will formally transfer presidential powers to Alckmin during his recovery.