Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva, 78, has cancelled his planned trip to Russia for the BRICS summit after suffering a minor brain haemorrhage caused by a fall at home. Instead, Lula will participate in the summit via videoconference after receiving medical advice to avoid long-haul flights, according to a statement from the presidential office.
Lula’s personal doctor, Roberto Kalil, explained that the president sustained significant trauma to the back of his head during the fall, which required stitches and led to a “small brain haemorrhage” in the temporal-frontal region. Kalil emphasized the importance of closely monitoring Lula’s condition throughout the week, as even minor brain haemorrhages can worsen over time. However, he assured the public that Lula is recovering well and able to perform his usual duties.
The incident occurred on Saturday, with a medical report from the Sirio Libanes hospital in Brasília detailing that Lula had suffered a laceration to the occipital region of his head. While advised against long-distance air travel, Lula remains capable of carrying out his regular responsibilities.
In the wake of Lula’s cancellation, Brazilian Foreign Minister Mauro Vieira will lead the nation’s delegation to the BRICS summit, departing on Sunday. Gleisi Hoffmann, president of the Workers’ Party, also confirmed that she had spoken to Lula, who reassured her that he was in good health, though avoiding a long trip.
