Brazilian leader Lula hospitalized with inner ear ailment, then released
Associated PressMAY 30
Brazil's Lula Rests at Home After Vertigo Episode
Above: Brazil's President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva attends a meeting with Chinese President Xi Jinping at the Great Hall of the People on May 13, 2025, in Beijing, China. Image copyright: Tingshu Wang/Pool/Getty Images News via Getty Images
The Spin
Narrative A
Whether you like Lula or not, his old age and successive health issues are obviously a matter of concern. As domestic problems mount during his administration, it's about time for him to realize that he is past his prime and that Brazil needs a leader who is able to solve problems. If not now, at least in the next presidential term.
Narrative B
Lula has demonstrated remarkable resilience throughout his life, not only in dealing with challenges in politics but also in overcoming health problems. He had a hypertension scare at the end of his second term, survived throat cancer, received a hip replacement, had a concussion, and was hospitalized for a brain bleed last year. This is just another issue that he will overcome.