SAO PAULO — This Thursday morning, President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva of Brazil underwent a second medical procedure aimed at addressing a brain hemorrhage, as reported by his medical team.
Lula, who is 79 years old, initially had surgery on Tuesday to treat a slow bleed resulting from a fall he experienced at his home last month. According to the doctors at Sirio-Libanes hospital, the latest procedure was necessary to seal an artery that was still leaking blood onto his brain’s surface.
Medical staff have indicated that the president is alert and recovering well. They anticipate that he will be discharged from the hospital and return to Brasilia by the beginning of next week, allowing him to gradually resume his presidential duties. Dr. Marcos Stavale, one of the physicians overseeing his care, stated that the procedure carried a low risk and noted, “He’s neurologically perfect. He’s fine; he’s talking.”
Dr. Roberto Kalil, who has long been involved in monitoring Lula’s health, confirmed that the president did not experience any brain damage from the incident. In the wake of this health situation, Lula’s office announced that he canceled a scheduled trip to Russia for a summit involving the BRIC nations, which include Brazil, Russia, India, China, South Africa, Egypt, Ethiopia, Iran, and the United Arab Emirates. The fall left him with a visible laceration on the back of his head.
While doctors have reported that Lula’s health is stable, many citizens in Brazil remain anxious, with some supporters gathering near the hospital to show encouragement. Recent local media coverage has highlighted concerns from various politicians about the potential impact on Lula’s political coalition in the upcoming 2026 presidential election.
Lula has indicated a willingness to seek reelection if necessary, yet he emphasizes that his health will be a determining factor in any decision regarding a candidacy. As of now, no clear successor to his leadership has emerged. Ricardo Kotscho, a former press secretary during Lula’s first term, mentioned in an interview that Lula has centralized authority more than ever in his current term.
Vice President Geraldo Alckmin is participating in some of Lula’s official duties but has not formally assumed the presidential role. During a recent assembly with civil society representatives, Alckmin mentioned that he had spoken with Lula via phone the previous evening. He conveyed that the president extended a “fraternal hug” to everyone present at the meeting.
