Brazilian president uncertain about running for re-election amid health concerns

Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva is reportedly unsure whether he will seek re-election in the country’s 2026 presidential race, following health concerns that have raised doubts about his ability to lead a new campaign.

The president, who recently underwent two surgeries to prevent a brain hemorrhage, has reportedly expressed hesitation about his future political plans, Caliber.Az reports, citing foreign media.

According to sources within the presidential administration, Lula had already begun questioning his potential candidacy before the surgeries on December 10, which followed the discovery of internal bleeding. While members of the Workers' Party, the political group to which Lula belongs, have downplayed the significance of his health issues, emphasizing that they do not believe his condition poses a serious obstacle, the decision about whether to run for office again ultimately rests with the president himself.

Lula, who has previously stated his intention to seek re-election in order to combat the rise of far-right political movements, including those aligned with former president Jair Bolsonaro, had also expressed hopes for the emergence of another strong candidate within the Workers' Party. He envisioned this individual as capable of bringing about substantial political change, both in Brazil and on the global stage. However, his recent health challenges may now influence his personal decision, creating uncertainty around his future in politics.

The Brazilian President, 79, has undergone surgery to drain a bleed on his brain, following a fall at home in October.

The surgery was performed at the Sirio Libanes Hospital in São Paulo after Lula was diagnosed with an intracranial hemorrhage, following a headache on December 9. A medical note released by the government on December 10 confirmed that the procedure was successful.

Lula's fall in late October initially resulted in a small brain hemorrhage and trauma to the back of his head, which required stitches. Tests conducted in early November indicated that his condition had stabilized, and he had continued with his duties. However, the recent developments led to the need for immediate surgery. 

By Vafa Guliyeva