Brazil's Lula Recovering in ICU After Emergency Brain Surgery; No Formal Transfer of Power

Dec 11, 2024, 10:52 AM

Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva is recovering in the Intensive Care Unit of the Hospital Sírio-Libanês in São Paulo after undergoing emergency surgery for an intracranial hemorrhage. The unplanned procedure involved trepanation—drilling two holes into his skull to remove the hematoma—and was performed after Lula experienced persistent headaches, which doctors linked to a fall he suffered 50 days earlier. According to his medical team, including cardiologist and hospital director Dr. Roberto Kalil, the surgery was successful, and the president is stable, conscious, and without any brain lesions or risk of sequelae. Dr. Kalil stated, "Lula did not have any brain injury; there is no brain risk." Lula remains in the ICU, and there is no immediate prediction of discharge. Doctors suggest he may remain under observation for several days, potentially delaying travel for up to 30 days, and have recommended that he set up a temporary office in São Paulo during his recovery. Despite his hospitalization, Lula has not formally transferred presidential powers to Vice President Geraldo Alckmin, who is handling some of the president's agendas. In Lula's absence, ministers Rui Costa and Fernando Haddad have taken over negotiations with Congress to advance key government agendas, including the fiscal package and the payment of R$6.4 billion in parliamentary amendments aimed at unlocking the revision of public spending. The government faces challenges in Congress during this difficult moment, with ongoing discussions about maintaining fiscal benefits for certain economic sectors. International leaders, such as Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro, who posted a photo of Lula on Instagram, and U.S. President Joe Biden, have extended wishes for Lula's speedy recovery. Prominent international media outlets, including the New York Times and BBC, have reported on Lula's surgery. The president is expected to resume his activities next week.