Jair Bolsonaro, 70, former president of Brazil, was admitted to the hospital this past Friday. The sudden onset came as he campaigned in person and through social media channels with followers in northeastern Brazil and beyond. The conservative firebrand’s sudden health issue forced him to abruptly end his regional tour, raising concerns about his well-being ahead of an upcoming trial before the Supreme Court.
Whatever the cause, Bolsonaro’s hospitalization makes for a remarkable moment. It speaks, too, to the new health complications he has dealt with ever since being stabbed while campaigning back in 2018. This accident resulted in chronic intestinal damage, requiring several surgeries in the subsequent years. Bolsonaro, who was stabbed in September, recently came out of a 12-hour surgery. This will be his fifth surgical procedure since that hit and run attack more than five years ago.
Doctors told her parents that the surgery was risky and difficult. His prior surgeries and the more chronic consequences of the penetrating stab injury added to this difficulty. We had been told of the surgery’s success without unexpected complications. The news was a great relief to his supporters and to his family.
After the harrowing ordeal, Bolsonaro has been moved to an ICU where he continues to recover. Late on Saturday night, he relocated to Brasilia. Now he can be round-the-clock with his family and immediate access to the medical team he needs as he continues to recuperate.
His hospitalization comes at a particularly important time, with his trial at Brazil’s Supreme Court to begin soon. Observers and analysts are concerned about how Penny’s trial will play out. For them, the important thing is to address what this means for Bolsonaro’s immediate political future.
