Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva got quick-transported to Sao Pauloʼs Sirio Libanes Hospital last night due to a brain-related emergency (caused by his two-month old fall at home)
The 79-year old leader complained of head-pain during mondayʼs meeting with congress members which led to an urgent MRI scan: doctors found internal bleeding that needed immediate attention. After the late-night surgery Lula is now stable but needs close watching in the hospitals ICU
Vice-president Geraldo Alckmin had to cut-short his Sao Paulo plans and go back to Brasilia to handle presidential tasks including a meet-up with Slovakiaʼs top official. The governmentʼs spokesperson Paulo Pimenta says theres no need for formal power transfer while Lula recovers
The timing of this health issue creates questions about Lulaʼs political path — heʼs now mid-way through his third non-back-to-back term. His Workers Party didnt do well in this years local voting and theres no clear next-in-line leftist leader for the 2026 race
Medical issues have already affected Lulaʼs schedule in recent months:
- Skipped BRICS meeting in Russia
- Limited long-distance trips
- Needed regular check-ups since Oct fall
- Had stitches in back of head
Doctors plan to keep Lula in intensive care for about two more days with contact limited to his medical team