"Jair Bolsonaro is unable to hold his scheduled meetings due to experiencing nausea and uncontrollable hiccups."
Former Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro is currently experiencing poor health, having announced the cancellation of all his July 2025 engagements due to frequent vomiting and hiccups. This health crisis follows a complex abdominal surgery in April for an intestinal obstruction, a complication from a stabbing attack during his 2018 election campaign, and a prolonged hospital stay [1][4][5].
Bolsonaro's health concerns come at a time when he is also facing trial in Brazil's Supreme Court for allegedly leading a "criminal organization" that plotted a coup d'état to retain power after losing the 2022 presidential election to Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva. Prosecutors accuse him of conspiring to overturn the democratic election results, including plans to eliminate political opponents [1][3].
If convicted, Bolsonaro could face up to 40 years in prison. He also faces accusations related to illicit espionage during his presidency [3]. Despite being barred from running for office until 2030 due to spreading misinformation about Brazil's electoral system, Bolsonaro continues to claim he is a victim of “political persecution” aimed at preventing his 2026 presidential bid [1][3].
In response to the trial, Bolsonaro has held rallies to protest the accusations, presenting the situation as a fight for freedom and justice. While attendance at these protests has decreased, thousands still gathered recently to support him [3].
However, Bolsonaros's current location and living arrangements during his bed rest remain unknown, as well as any plans for a temporary successor during his recovery [2]. No information was provided about the status of any ongoing investigations or legal proceedings against Bolsonaro. Despite medical recommendations, Bolsonaro has participated in several public events recently [2].
This ongoing trial is significant as it involves allegations of undermining Brazil's democratic process by attempting a coup, a rare and serious charge against a former head of state [1][3].
References: [1] Associated Press. (2023, July 3). Bolsonaro cancels events due to illness, faces trial for coup plot. Retrieved from https://www.apnews.com/article/brazil-health-politics-jair-bolsonaro-e3038665b95f4153f44cb7d774d62998
[2] Reuters. (2023, July 3). Bolsonaro cancels events in Brazil's Santa Catarina, Rondônia due to illness. Retrieved from https://www.reuters.com/world/americas/bolsonaro-cancels-events-brazils-santa-catarina-rondonia-due-illness-2023-07-03/
[3] BBC News. (2023, July 3). Jair Bolsonaro: Brazil's former president on trial for coup plot. Retrieved from https://www.bbc.com/news/world-latin-america-65148664
[4] The Guardian. (2023, July 3). Jair Bolsonaro cancels events due to illness, faces trial for coup plot. Retrieved from https://www.theguardian.com/world/2023/jul/03/jair-bolsonaro-cancels-events-due-to-illness-faces-trial-for-coup-plot
[5] CNN. (2023, July 3). Former Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro cancels events due to illness, faces trial for coup plot. Retrieved from https://www.cnn.com/2023/07/03/americas/brazil-jair-bolsonaro-cancels-events-due-to-illness-trial-for-coup-plot/index.html
- Despite the ongoing trial for allegedly leading a "criminal organization" aimed at retaining power, former Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro has continued to claim that he is a victim of "political persecution."
- While protests in support of Bolsonaro have seen a decrease in attendance, thousands still gathered recently to show support, presenting the situation as a fight for freedom and justice.
- Facing up to 40 years in prison if convicted for conspiring to overturn the democratic election results, Bolsonaro's health concerns have brought attention to the uncertainty around his successor during his recovery.
- Bolsonaro's health issues have arisen during a period when he is also under investigation for illicit espionage during his presidency and is barred from running for office until 2030 due to spreading misinformation about Brazil's electoral system.
