Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva underwent emergency surgery in São Paulo on December 9 to address an intracranial hemorrhage, a condition linked to a fall he suffered in October.
The 79-year-old leader, who returned to power in 2023, is recovering well, according to a statement from the Syrian-Lebanese Hospital.
Lula sustained the injury after hitting his head during a domestic accident on October 19, which required him to cancel a planned trip to Russia for the BRICS summit. On Monday evening, Lula sought medical care at the Brasília unit of the Syrian-Lebanese Hospital after experiencing persistent headaches. Imaging revealed the hemorrhage, prompting his transfer to São Paulo, where surgeons performed a craniotomy to drain the hematoma.
“The operation went smoothly,” the hospital reported via Lula’s Instagram account, adding that he is now under close monitoring in intensive care. A press conference and updated health bulletin are expected to provide further details on his condition.
Critics of Lula’s administration might argue that the secrecy surrounding his initial injury and delayed disclosure of its severity raise questions about transparency in leadership. While the president’s recovery offers reassurance, some remain skeptical about whether the incident could impact his ability to lead effectively amid Brazil’s pressing political and economic challenges.
