Rio De Janeiro: Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva was discharged from São Paulo’s Sirio-Libanes Hospital on Sunday following two emergency surgeries to address and prevent head bleeding. The 79-year-old leader, appearing optimistic and energetic, spoke publicly for the first time since the procedures during a hospital press conference.
Donning a hat and frequently gesturing with his hands, Lula expressed eagerness to resume his presidential duties. His medical team cleared him to return to work but recommended he avoid long-haul international flights and strenuous exercise for at least a month.
“I’m here, whole,” Lula stated confidently. “I’m healed. I just need to take care of myself.”
Doctors discharged Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva from a São Paulo hospital after a pair of emergency surgeries last week to treat and prevent bleeding in his head https://t.co/hdHaHMDwwz pic.twitter.com/OlXCptFrUk
— Reuters (@Reuters) December 15, 2024
Political Developments Amid Recovery
Lula also addressed the arrest of Walter Braga Netto, a retired general and former defense minister under far-right ex-President Jair Bolsonaro. Braga Netto, who was Bolsonaro’s vice-presidential running mate in the 2022 election, has been accused of conspiring to stage a coup and plotting Lula’s assassination after the election results were announced.
“It’s unacceptable that in a generous country like Brazil we have people of high military rank plotting the death of a president,” Lula remarked, emphasizing the gravity of the situation.
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Lula’s Health and Political Implications
While doctors have assured that Lula is on the path to full recovery, political analysts have raised concerns about the potential impact of his health on the country’s political landscape. Some speculate that if Lula is unable to run for re-election in 2026, it could disrupt succession plans within the Workers’ Party, creating uncertainty about the party’s leadership and strategy.
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Lula will continue his recovery at home in São Paulo before returning to Brasília. His medical team has scheduled a CT scan for Thursday to monitor his progress, making it unlikely he will resume full duties in the capital before then.
