Brazil’s President Lula released from hospital following surgery to halt brain hemorrhage

SAO PAULO — On Sunday, Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva was released from the hospital following a surgical procedure aimed at addressing a brain hemorrhage. The 79-year-old leader conveyed a sense of positivity during a press conference held alongside his medical team, indicating that he was recovering well after the surgery.

“I’m here alive, well, with the urge to work. And I’ll tell you something I used to say during the campaign. I’m 79 years old, I have the energy of 30 and the enthusiasm of 20 to build this country,” Lula expressed proudly.

According to his medical staff, the operation was successful, and Lula is expected to engage in light activities, such as walking and meeting with visitors, while he recuperates in his São Paulo residence until Thursday. However, travel outside the country remains prohibited for the time being, although he may consider a trip to Brasilia depending on the outcome of a medical assessment.

Additionally, President Lula addressed the recent arrest of Gen. Walter Braga Netto, who served in the administration of former President Jair Bolsonaro and was also his running mate in the 2022 elections. The arrest is part of ongoing investigations into a purported coup attempt, a matter Lula has previously chosen to tread lightly on due to the sensitive nature of the case.

“It is not possible for us to accept disrespect for democracy, disrespect for the constitution. And it is not possible for us to accept that in a generous country like Brazil we have people of high military rank plotting the death of a president, his vice president, and a presiding judge of the supreme electoral court,” Lula stated firmly.

Braga Netto has been implicated alongside Bolsonaro and 35 others in a November indictment for their alleged involvement in a scheme aimed at subverting the electoral outcome in a bid to keep Bolsonaro in power following his unsuccessful reelection attempt in 2022.

Although prosecutors have not yet lodged formal charges against Braga Netto, his apprehension was reportedly linked to claims of obstructing evidence-gathering efforts, as clarified by a statement from the Federal Police.