Jair Bolsonaro Undergoes Treatment for Persistent Hiccups Amid Legal Troubles
Published 28 December 2025
Highlights
- Former Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro underwent a medical procedure to treat chronic hiccups, involving a phrenic nerve block.
- Bolsonaro, 70, is serving a 27-year sentence for plotting a coup after losing the 2022 presidential election to Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva.
- The procedure was successful, and a follow-up treatment is scheduled to address the left phrenic nerve.
- Bolsonaro endorsed his son Flávio for the 2026 presidential election while recovering from hernia surgery.
- Brazil's Supreme Court recently ordered the house arrest of 10 officials involved in the coup attempt.
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Rewritten Article
Headline: Jair Bolsonaro Undergoes Treatment for Persistent Hiccups Amid Legal Troubles
Former Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro has successfully undergone a medical procedure to address chronic hiccups, a condition he has battled for nine months. The treatment, which involved blocking the right phrenic nerve, was conducted on Saturday and is set to be followed by a similar procedure on the left nerve. Bolsonaro's wife, Michelle, shared the news on social media, expressing relief over the progress.
Medical Challenges Amidst Legal Struggles
Bolsonaro, 70, is currently serving a 27-year prison sentence for orchestrating a coup attempt following his defeat in the 2022 presidential election to Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva. His recent medical interventions, including surgery for a double hernia, were permitted by the Supreme Court, allowing him temporary leave from incarceration. The former president's health issues trace back to a stabbing incident during his 2018 presidential campaign, which necessitated multiple surgeries.
Political Endorsements and Legal Proceedings
While recuperating in the hospital, Bolsonaro endorsed his son Flávio's candidacy for the 2026 presidential election through a handwritten letter. This political maneuver comes amid ongoing legal proceedings, with Brazil's Supreme Court recently ordering the house arrest of 10 officials linked to the coup plot. Bolsonaro, who was initially under house arrest, was taken into police custody last month after being deemed a flight risk.
A History of Health Complications
Bolsonaro's health has been a recurring concern since the 2018 stabbing, which left him with lasting abdominal issues. The recent hiccup treatment highlights ongoing medical challenges that intersect with his legal battles. His doctors have confirmed that the initial procedure was successful, with plans to address the left phrenic nerve in the coming days.
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Scenario Analysis
As Bolsonaro continues to navigate his health and legal challenges, his political influence remains significant, particularly with his endorsement of his son for the 2026 presidential race. The ongoing legal proceedings against him and his associates could further shape Brazil's political landscape. Experts suggest that Bolsonaro's health issues might impact his ability to engage in future political activities, while the Supreme Court's actions underscore the judiciary's role in addressing political misconduct. The outcome of these developments could influence Brazil's political dynamics and the public's perception of accountability within the country's legal system.
Former Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro has successfully undergone a medical procedure to address chronic hiccups, a condition he has battled for nine months. The treatment, which involved blocking the right phrenic nerve, was conducted on Saturday and is set to be followed by a similar procedure on the left nerve. Bolsonaro's wife, Michelle, shared the news on social media, expressing relief over the progress.
Medical Challenges Amidst Legal Struggles
Bolsonaro, 70, is currently serving a 27-year prison sentence for orchestrating a coup attempt following his defeat in the 2022 presidential election to Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva. His recent medical interventions, including surgery for a double hernia, were permitted by the Supreme Court, allowing him temporary leave from incarceration. The former president's health issues trace back to a stabbing incident during his 2018 presidential campaign, which necessitated multiple surgeries.
Political Endorsements and Legal Proceedings
While recuperating in the hospital, Bolsonaro endorsed his son Flávio's candidacy for the 2026 presidential election through a handwritten letter. This political maneuver comes amid ongoing legal proceedings, with Brazil's Supreme Court recently ordering the house arrest of 10 officials linked to the coup plot. Bolsonaro, who was initially under house arrest, was taken into police custody last month after being deemed a flight risk.
A History of Health Complications
Bolsonaro's health has been a recurring concern since the 2018 stabbing, which left him with lasting abdominal issues. The recent hiccup treatment highlights ongoing medical challenges that intersect with his legal battles. His doctors have confirmed that the initial procedure was successful, with plans to address the left phrenic nerve in the coming days.
What this might mean
As Bolsonaro continues to navigate his health and legal challenges, his political influence remains significant, particularly with his endorsement of his son for the 2026 presidential race. The ongoing legal proceedings against him and his associates could further shape Brazil's political landscape. Experts suggest that Bolsonaro's health issues might impact his ability to engage in future political activities, while the Supreme Court's actions underscore the judiciary's role in addressing political misconduct. The outcome of these developments could influence Brazil's political dynamics and the public's perception of accountability within the country's legal system.
