On Tuesday, December 10, Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva underwent brain surgery in São Paulo and is currently recovering in the Intensive Care Unit (ICU).
The Brazilian government stated that the 79-year-old president complained of headaches on Monday night in Brasília and underwent a magnetic resonance imaging scan, which revealed intracranial bleeding. He was then transferred to the Sírio-Libanês Hospital in São Paulo for surgery to remove the blood clot in his brain.
According to reports, this surgery was related to a fall Lula had in his home bathroom on October 19. At that time, he needed several stitches and had to cancel his trip to Russia to attend the BRICS Summit in Kazan.
The Financial Times cited Brazilian Minister of Social Communication, Paulo Pimenta, reporting that the surgery was successful and Lula was “conscious and calm” after the operation. He may need to be monitored in the ICU for 48 hours.
Vice President Geraldo Alckmin filled in for Lula on Tuesday and met with Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico in Brasília.
According to Alckmin’s office, he was a political opponent of Lula in the 2006 presidential election but is now seen as a pro-business figure. Alckmin has served as the governor of São Paulo twice and is currently the Minister of Brazil’s Development, Industry, and Trade.