Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva has canceled his trip to Russia for the upcoming BRICS summit due to a minor brain hemorrhage sustained from a fall at home. Following medical advice, Lula will participate in the summit via videoconference instead of attending in person.
Key Takeaways
- Lula, 78, suffered a head injury requiring stitches and resulting in a minor brain hemorrhage.
- He will participate in the BRICS summit remotely, with Foreign Minister Mauro Vieira leading the delegation.
- The incident occurred just before his scheduled departure on Sunday.
Details of the Incident
On Saturday, Lula experienced a fall that caused significant trauma to the back of his head. His doctor, Roberto Kalil, reported that the injury required stitches and resulted in a small hemorrhage in the temporal-frontal region. The medical team emphasized the importance of monitoring his condition, as any brain injury can potentially worsen without proper observation.
A medical report from Sirio Libanes Hospital in Brasilia confirmed that Lula had a laceration to the occipital region of his head. While he was advised to avoid long-distance air travel, the report indicated that he was otherwise fit to continue his regular duties.
Participation in the BRICS Summit
Lula was initially scheduled to depart for Kazan, Russia, at 5 p.m. on Sunday. However, due to his medical condition, he will now join the BRICS meeting via videoconference. This summit is significant as it marks Lula's first opportunity for face-to-face discussions with Russian President Vladimir Putin this year. The two leaders had previously discussed a joint proposal aimed at resolving the conflict in Ukraine during a phone call in September.
In Lula's absence, Foreign Minister Mauro Vieira has been designated to lead the Brazilian delegation at the summit, which is set to convene leaders from Brazil, Russia, India, China, South Africa, and other partner nations.
Reactions and Support
Congresswoman Gleisi Hoffmann, president of Lula's Workers Party, shared on social media that she had spoken with the president and confirmed that he is doing well, albeit avoiding long trips for the time being. The Brazilian government has expressed its commitment to ensuring that Lula can continue to fulfill his responsibilities while prioritizing his health.
Conclusion
The cancellation of Lula's trip to the BRICS summit underscores the importance of health and safety, especially for leaders in high-pressure roles. As he recovers, Lula's participation via videoconference will allow him to remain engaged in crucial discussions while adhering to medical advice. The upcoming summit will be a pivotal moment for Brazil and its partners as they navigate global challenges together.
Sources
- Brazil's Lula cancels BRICS trip after minor brain hemorrhage from fall | Reuters, Reuters.
- Brazil's Lula cancels BRICS trip after minor brain hemorrhage from fall By Reuters, Investing.com.
- Brazil's President Lula cancels Russia trip for Brics summit following head injury - Times of India, Times of India.
- Brazil's Lula cancels Russia trip for BRICS summit after head injury, Voice of America English News.
