In a significant turn of events, Brazil's President, Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva, has been discharged from the hospital following a six-day recovery from emergency surgery to drain a haematoma in his brain. The decision to release the president was announced on Sunday by his medical team at the Sírio-Libanês hospital in São Paulo, just days after he underwent a trepanation procedure.

Lula, accompanied by the first lady, Rosângela da Silva, affectionately known as Janja, made a surprise appearance where he addressed the media. Wearing a panama hat—a humorous choice to hide the dressing on his head—the 79-year-old leader spoke candidly for 13 minutes, reflecting on the bewilderment he felt upon finding out about the haematoma, which occurred 52 days after he fell in the bathroom of the presidential residence on October 19.

The president admitted feeling alarmed by the size of the haematoma and the accumulated fluid in his head. "I must admit I was a bit worried. I only became fully aware of the seriousness of what had happened to me after the surgery," Lula revealed, visibly touched by the support from Janja by his side.

During the intense medical process, Lula underwent trepanation early Tuesday, a surgical procedure involving drilling a small hole in the skull to drain excess blood. Following this, a non-surgical procedure known as middle meningeal artery embolisation was performed on Thursday to minimize the risk of future bleeding. While still experiencing some headaches post-operation, Lula confirmed he was physically feeling well enough to resume his duties as president. "I feel fine, I’m calm, and I claim the right to live until I’m 120," he quipped.

Although his discharge was earlier than anticipated—originally set for Monday or Tuesday—Lula will remain in São Paulo until at least Thursday for a follow-up CT scan. If the results are satisfactory, he may then embark on the short flight back to the capital, Brasília. However, due to the medical team's counsel, international travel has been prohibited for the time being, an important precaution for his recovery.

In a poignant moment during his address, Lula responded to the recent arrest of Gen Walter Braga Netto, a former defence minister and ally of ex-president Jair Bolsonaro, in connection with alleged plans for a military coup. Anticipating questions, Lula remarked on the seriousness of the situation while emphasizing the importance of patience and democratic principles. "As a democrat, I believe he is entitled to the presumption of innocence, something I didn’t have," Lula stated, referring to his own experiences of wrongful imprisonment. He further stressed, “If proven guilty, these individuals must be severely punished,” condemning any conspiracy against high-ranking officials, including threats against himself and members of the judiciary.

In a polarized political environment, Lula’s return marks a pivotal moment not just for his administration, but for Brazil as it contemplates the gravity of military involvement in politics and the safeguarding of democratic values. As he comes back to the public eye, eyes will undoubtedly be on how Lula navigates the texture of contemporary Brazilian politics following his health crisis.