Brazil's President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva has been discharged from the Sírio-Libanês hospital in São Paulo after undergoing emergency surgery for a brain bleed. The 79-year-old leader spoke at a press conference, expressing his gratitude and acknowledging the support he received. "This here is not an interview, this is simply a session to say thanks. To thank, firstly, God, who has looked after me in a very generous manner," he stated.
The health scare began when Lula reported a severe headache, leading to a craniotomy, where a portion of the skull was removed to treat the intracranial hemorrhage caused by a fall he sustained in October. Hospital officials confirmed that the president was stable post-surgery, lucid, and in good spirits, engaging with medical staff.
Lula shared his appreciation for the public's prayers and extended forgiveness to those who harbor negative feelings towards him. "I am here, alive, whole, and with more desire to work," he remarked. While doctors indicated his return to Brasilia was likely next week, Vice-President Geraldo Alckmin managed presidential duties during his hospitalization.
The incident that led to the brain bleed occurred on October 19 when Lula fell in his bathroom while cutting his toenails, resulting in five stitches. After advice from his health team, he canceled his upcoming trip to Russia for a BRICS summit but returned to official duties shortly thereafter. Lula has held the presidency since January 2023, following a contentious election against former President Jair Bolsonaro, often affirming his vitality during the campaign by claiming to possess "the energy of a 30-year-old."
The health scare began when Lula reported a severe headache, leading to a craniotomy, where a portion of the skull was removed to treat the intracranial hemorrhage caused by a fall he sustained in October. Hospital officials confirmed that the president was stable post-surgery, lucid, and in good spirits, engaging with medical staff.
Lula shared his appreciation for the public's prayers and extended forgiveness to those who harbor negative feelings towards him. "I am here, alive, whole, and with more desire to work," he remarked. While doctors indicated his return to Brasilia was likely next week, Vice-President Geraldo Alckmin managed presidential duties during his hospitalization.
The incident that led to the brain bleed occurred on October 19 when Lula fell in his bathroom while cutting his toenails, resulting in five stitches. After advice from his health team, he canceled his upcoming trip to Russia for a BRICS summit but returned to official duties shortly thereafter. Lula has held the presidency since January 2023, following a contentious election against former President Jair Bolsonaro, often affirming his vitality during the campaign by claiming to possess "the energy of a 30-year-old."
