SAO PAULO, 11 April 2025 (BSS/AFP) – Brazil’s former far-right president, Jair Bolsonaro, aged 70, was urgently hospitalised on Friday after suffering “severe abdominal pain” linked to the injuries sustained in a 2018 stabbing incident. According to a spokesperson from his political party, the former leader was flown by helicopter to a major hospital in Natal, the capital of the northeastern state of Rio Grande do Norte.
The episode occurred while Bolsonaro was attending a political event in the region. He was first taken to a local hospital but was later transferred to a larger facility for specialised care.
A Troubled Medical History Since 2018
Bolsonaro has faced numerous health complications since the assassination attempt during his 2018 presidential campaign. The attack, which occurred in Minas Gerais, left him critically injured. He lost approximately 40% of his blood and underwent life-saving surgery.
| Key Medical Incidents Since 2018 | Details |
|---|---|
| Stabbing Incident (2018) | Nearly fatal, led to major internal damage and emergency surgery |
| Colostomy Bag Placement & Removal | Required due to intestinal trauma; contributed to chronic bowel issues |
| Subsequent Surgeries | At least four related to stabbing; others included bladder stone removal |
| Frequent Hospitalisations | Often related to intestinal blockages and abdominal pain |
The attacker was later declared mentally unfit to stand trial and has been held in a psychiatric facility.
Political Context: Bolsonaro’s Attempted Comeback
Despite being barred from running in the 2026 presidential elections due to alleged misconduct, Bolsonaro has continued to rally support and maintain a strong presence in Brazil’s right-wing political scene. His latest visit to Rio Grande do Norte was intended to launch a regional tour to energise his base ahead of future electoral campaigns.
However, Bolsonaro’s political ambitions have been overshadowed by mounting legal troubles. He has been ordered to stand trial for an alleged coup plot following his defeat in the 2022 presidential election, which saw him lose to the leftist incumbent Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva.
Public and Political Reactions
There has been no official update from Bolsonaro’s medical team regarding his current condition. Party officials have expressed concern, citing his ongoing vulnerability due to previous surgeries. Supporters gathered outside the hospital in Natal, many holding flags and chanting prayers for his recovery.
Meanwhile, critics continue to scrutinise the former president’s involvement in alleged anti-democratic activities following his departure from office.
