Lula's Recovery After Surgery
Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva is currently recovering from a second successful medical procedure following emergency surgery to address a brain hemorrhage. Dr. Roberto Kalil Filho reported that Lula is awake, alert, and in stable condition after undergoing an endovascular procedure at the Syrian-Lebanese Hospital in São Paulo. The procedure, part of his ongoing therapy program, was completed early Thursday morning.
Current Status and Hospitalization
At 79 years old, Lula has been hospitalized since early Tuesday after the initial surgery to drain a hematoma caused by a fall in October. The hospital confirmed that he is lucid and communicating well, having had a restful night. Despite his hospitalization, Brazilian officials are operating under the assumption that Lula will not require a formal leave of absence, and Vice President Geraldo Alckmin will not take over presidential duties at this time.
Legal Implications of Presidential Incapacity
The Brazilian Constitution outlines that the vice president assumes the presidency in cases of impediment, such as health issues. However, it does not specify the criteria for assessing the president's capacity to govern. Legal experts note that the current situation is considered a temporary impediment, and there is no immediate need for Alckmin to step in, although he has been handling some of Lula's scheduled meetings, including one with the Slovak Prime Minister.
