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Bolsonaro recovers from surgery while serving prison term
Brazil's former president Jair Bolsonaro has undergone a successful double hernia operation, his wife Michelle confirmed on Friday. The 70-year-old remains incarcerated for orchestrating a coup attempt following his 2022 election defeat to Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva.
Hospital transfer approved by Supreme Court
Bolsonaro was moved from his cell at federal police headquarters in Brasília to a local hospital after Brazil's Supreme Court authorized the temporary transfer. The procedure was completed without complications, according to his family.
Endorsement of son's 2026 presidential bid
Prior to the surgery, Bolsonaro publicly backed his eldest son, Senator Flávio Bolsonaro, as the Liberal Party's candidate in the upcoming 2026 election. The endorsement was conveyed in a handwritten letter read aloud by Flávio outside the hospital.
"Throughout my life, I have fought difficult battles, sacrificing my health and family to defend what I believe is best for our nation. Now, I entrust my son with the mission of rescuing Brazil."
Jair Bolsonaro, in a letter
Flávio, 44, had previously announced his candidacy, framing it as a continuation of his father's political agenda. Bolsonaro's letter, circulated by Brazilian media, formalizes the endorsement.
Political landscape ahead of 2026 election
President Lula has already declared his intention to seek re-election in October 2026. The 2022 race between Lula and Bolsonaro ended in a runoff, with Lula securing a narrow victory. Bolsonaro's refusal to concede triggered a failed coup plot involving military leaders, culminating in the January 8, 2023, storming of government buildings by his supporters.
Legal status and political influence
Bolsonaro was convicted of coup-plotting in September 2025 and sentenced to 27 years in prison. Despite his incarceration, he retains significant political sway. Last week, Brazil's Congress approved legislation to reduce his sentence, though President Lula has vowed to veto the measure.
Doctors are expected to clear Bolsonaro for transfer back to federal police headquarters in the coming days.
