Jair Bolsonaro continues to be hospitalized in the capital Brazilia for symptoms of low blood pressure and prolonged cyanosis. This is the second hospitalization in just a few days, raising many concerns about the health of this 70-year-old lawyer. His son, Congressman Flavio Bolsonaro, confirmed the information and said his father was still being closely monitored.
Mr. Bolsonaro was previously hospitalized for skin problems and was diagnosed with anemia due to iron deficiency, showing signs of pneumonia and needing further treatment. DF Star Hospital, where he is being cared for, said his health is complicated because he underwent multiple abdominal and intestinal surgery following a knife assassination in the 2018 election campaign. This injury caused him to often have digestive problems, leading to prolonged hospitalizations throughout his 2019-2022 presidential term.
Doctors note that in addition to underlying medical conditions, current political and legal stress can also affect his health. In early August, the Brazilian Supreme Court sentenced Bolsonaro to 27 years and 3 months in prison for a coup plot after a failed election in 2022. He is under house arrest with electronic monitoring devices, while the official verdict will be announced within 60 days and the legal team has the right to appeal.
Speaking briefly before being hospitalized, Bolsonaro said he felt tired but his spirit was not down, denying the accusations of a coup plot. In many times answering the press, he asserted that he was a "victim of political revenge", saying that the sentence was too harsh and unfair.
Mr. Bolsonaro, a former far-right soldier, was once known as the "Trump President of the Tropics" for his "nationalist" style and controversial statements. During his term, he was harshly criticized for his handling of the COVID-19 pandemic, when Brazil recorded more than 700,000 deaths. However, he still maintained his loyal support, especially from conservatives and the military.
Observers say that Mr. Bolsonaro's poor health and heavy sentence have almost ended his political path. However, his legacy in Brazilian politics is still deeply divided and could continue to affect the country's social life for many years to come.
