Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva, 79, has recently undergone emergency surgery, intensifying concerns regarding his health and fitness to lead Latin America's largest economy. The surgery was necessitated by a health scare that included a fall at home, resulting in a minor brain hemorrhage requiring stitches. Following this incident, Lula's doctor advised against long-haul flights, leading to his cancellation of participation in the BRICS summit in Russia, where he was expected to meet with Russian President Vladimir Putin for the first time this year. Instead, Lula attended the summit via videoconference, while Foreign Minister Mauro Vieira represented Brazil in person. [fd48d0f0]
Despite the recent health challenges, doctors have reported that Lula is recovering well and is expected to return to work by early next week. However, this ongoing situation has sparked public debate about Lula's capability to govern effectively, especially given his age and the pressures of leading a nation amidst geopolitical tensions. The BRICS summit, which took place in Beijing, was marked by heightened tensions, particularly due to Putin's provocative display of nuclear readiness, further complicating international discussions. The absence of key leaders like Lula may have significant implications for Brazil's role in global affairs. [10c5fefc] [73920dfa]
Compounding these challenges, recent polling data reveals a sharp decline in Lula's approval ratings, with disapproval now surpassing approval for the first time since he took office in January 2023. A Genial/Quaest poll conducted from January 23-26, 2025, shows that Lula's approval has dropped to 47%, down from 52% in December 2024, while disapproval rose to 49%. This decline is attributed to growing concerns about taxation and financial market turmoil, particularly following Lula's government's increased oversight of financial transactions, which has affected popular payment systems like Pix. Misinformation regarding new taxes on Pix payments has further fueled public discontent. Additionally, Brazil's currency has hit all-time lows against the U.S. dollar, and inflation has surpassed the 3% target. In response, Lula has ordered his cabinet to discuss strategies to lower elevated food prices. [f3f7e3b3]
As Brazil navigates these multifaceted challenges, the public remains on edge about what comes next for Lula's leadership and the future direction of the country. The combination of health issues, economic pressures, and declining approval ratings raises critical questions about governance and stability in Brazil. [8bb6117a]