In brief
Doctors confirmed he is conscious and able to converse, while Vice-President Geraldo Alckmin has stepped in for his commitments during recovery.
Brazil’s President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva, 79, is recovering well after undergoing surgery for a brain bleed that emerged from a fall in his bathroom earlier this month. He was admitted to the hospital in Brasília on Monday, where he reported severe headaches prompting a subsequent MRI scan that revealed the bleed. Lula was then transported to the prestigious Sírio-Libanês hospital in São Paulo for treatment. The intracranial hemorrhage resulted from an impact sustained during a fall in October when the president slipped and hit his head while at the Alvorada Palace. Hospital officials clarified that while the craniotomy involved removing a section of the skull to relieve pressure, it did not cause any lasting brain injury. At a Tuesday morning conference, the medical team stated that Lula was stable, conscious, and engaging with healthcare professionals. The doctors expressed optimism about his recovery, predicting a potential return to Brasilia by next week, contingent on continued stability. However, Lula is expected to remain in intensive care for at least another 48 hours. During this time, Vice-President Geraldo Alckmin will handle some of the president's duties, including a scheduled meeting with Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico. Lula, who has been in office since January 1, 2023, had previously canceled a trip to Russia following his October accident due to medical advice. The president often humorously claims to possess the "energy of a 30-year-old," despite these health challenges.


