The Mayor of Belo Horizonte, Fuad Noman, is once again at the center of attention, but this time not for his political maneuvering. Noman was hospitalized on January 3, 2023, due to acute respiratory failure which has left him dependent on ventilatory support.
This latest health crisis marks the fifth time Noman has been hospitalized since his re-election at the end of October 2022. His medical history has been troubled, as he previously underwent treatment for non-Hodgkin lymphoma, which he announced last year. Rumors about the state of his health have circulated since he was unable to speak or attend the recent ceremonial events due to his condition.
According to the hospital where he is currently receiving treatment, the Mater Dei Health Network, Noman is undergoing examinations to evaluate his condition. "The Mayor of Belo Horizonte, Fuad Noman, was hospitalized with acute respiratory failure and requires ventilatory assistance," as stated by the hospital's report.
Earlier the same day, the municipal administration revealed Noman had visited another facility, the Sarah Kubitschek Hospital, for rehabilitation evaluations featuring necessary physiotherapy sessions. This physiotherapy, as noted by the municipality, is medically recommended and plays a pivotal role in his recovery process.
This series of hospitalizations—starting with treatment for pneumonia and proceeding through bouts of intestinal bleeding and additional respiratory issues—has transpired amid his first term as mayor. During his recent swearing-in ceremony, Noman’s address was read by Álvaro Damião, his Vice Mayor, due to his inability to speak, underscoring the severity of his condition. "I’m here out of much love for this city and its people," conveyed Noman through Damião's read speech, indicating his dedication to his role even during these health struggles.
Notably, the political ramifications of Noman's deteriorated health have become more pronounced. Questions surrounding his potential absence due to health have arisen, with Damião indicating, "The decision to take time off is between him, his family, and his medical team," during press inquiries about the mayor’s future commitments. This statement highlights the delicate balance between Noman's health and his responsibilities as mayor.
While Noman grapples with fatigue and significant health challenges, local politics continue to stir. Juliano Lopes, recently elected President of the Chamber Municipal, has called out Damião for being “disastrous” following their controversial political alliance. Lopes claims his position from the election came with betrayal by Damião and Bruno Miranda, the current government leader, whom he branded as “traitors.”
Lopes underlined his belief Noman’s health or political decisions were not to blame for the tumultuous Council situation, stating, "I believe the Mayor did not have any relation to the launch of the late candidacy to the presidency of the House." Despite the outbursts and dilemmas surrounding the political structure, Lopes affirmed the credibility of Noman, whom he described as “a man of his word.”
Lopes declared his intention to maintain cooperative relations with the local administration, emphasizing, "We want the Chamber to be independent, but partnered with the city hall, because what matters is the Belo Horizonte citizen who voted for us," reinforcing the idea of collaboration even amid discord within the governing ranks.
Fuad Noman continues to face significant personal and political challenges. His health has drastically affected both his administrative duties and the dynamics of city governance, leaving many to wonder about the future direction of his leadership and the municipality as a whole. It remains to be seen how these developments will play out, and the impact they will have not only on Noman's personal health but also on the city's political climate.