Lula discharged after brain surgery in São Paulo

Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva has been discharged from São Paulo's Sírio-Libanês hospital following emergency brain surgery, marking a significant moment in his recovery from a medical emergency that began with a bathroom fall in October.

The 79-year-old leader, who underwent a trepanation procedure to drain a brain haematoma on Tuesday and a subsequent middle meningeal artery embolisation on Thursday, made his first public appearance at a hospital press conference. Wearing a Panama hat to conceal his head dressing, Lula appeared in good spirits as he addressed the media for 13 minutes alongside his wife, Rosângela Janja da Silva.

During his address, Lula candidly shared his initial alarm at discovering the severity of his condition, which developed 52 days after his fall at the presidential residence. Despite experiencing ongoing headaches from the surgery, the president expressed optimism about his recovery and readiness to resume his duties, though with certain restrictions.

His medical team, led by cardiologist Dr. Roberto Kalil Filho, has advised against long-distance international travel for the immediate future. Lula will remain in São Paulo until for a follow-up CT scan before potentially returning to Brasília.

During his appearance, Lula also addressed current political matters, notably commenting on the recent arrest of General Walter Braga Netto, former President Jair Bolsonaro's ex-defence minister. The president emphasized the importance of presumption of innocence while acknowledging the gravity of allegations regarding a potential coup plot.

The president's early discharge, initially planned, signals a positive recovery trajectory. Despite his eagerness to return to work, his medical team has prescribed a measured approach to his resumption of official duties, balancing his governmental responsibilities with his health needs.