Brazil's President Lula Recovering After Brain Surgery

Brazil's President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva has been discharged from the hospital after undergoing emergency surgery to address a brain hematoma. The surgery followed a fall on October 19th at the presidential residence, which led to concerns over a growing hematoma. The 79-year-old president spent six days recovering at São Paulo's Sírio-Libanês Hospital, where his medical team confirmed his condition had stabilized. 

During his discharge announcement on December 15, Lula appeared alongside his wife, Rosângela da Silva, known as Janja, and delivered an emotional address to the public. Wearing a Panama hat to cover the dressing on his head, he spoke candidly about the shock of his diagnosis and the difficulties of his recovery.

“I must admit, I was alarmed by how much the hematoma had grown,” said Lula, recalling his initial concerns when the condition worsened. “It wasn’t until after the surgery that I fully understood the seriousness of what happened to me.”

Lula’s surgery involved a trepanation procedure to drain blood from his skull, followed by a non-invasive embolization procedure to prevent future bleeding. Though he continues to experience headaches, the president expressed optimism about his recovery, stating, “I’m fine, calm, and I intend to live until I’m 120.”

The president's discharge came earlier than anticipated, but he will remain in São Paulo until at least Thursday for a follow-up CT scan. If the results are satisfactory, Lula plans to return to Brasília, though international travel has been prohibited for the time being.

In his address, Lula also touched on the arrest of Gen. Walter Braga Netto, an ally of former president Jair Bolsonaro, who was detained in connection with an alleged coup plot. Lula emphasized the importance of due process and the presumption of innocence, despite his own past legal challenges. However, he underscored the severity of the allegations, stating that those responsible for plotting against the nation's leaders should face strict punishment. 

Lula’s recovery marks a significant moment in his presidency, and his return to work will be a key step as he continues to lead Brazil through a challenging period.