Former Brazilian President Dilma Rousseff was hospitalized on Friday, November 21, 2023, after experiencing health complications during her stay in Shanghai, China. The 77-year-old politician, now serving as President of the New Development Bank (NDB), encountered symptoms of high blood pressure, vomiting, and dizziness.
Rousseff has been residing in China since she took on the NDB presidency earlier this year, and her hospitalization occurred at the Shangai East International Medical Center. Sources from Folha de S. Paulo reported, "According to sources, Rousseff is stable and showing continuous improvement since her admission to the clinic." Currently, it is expected she will be discharged on November 25, thereby making her recovery promising.
Her health concerns have already caused her to withdraw from attending high-profile meetings, particularly one involving finance ministers and central bank governors happening in Cape Town, South Africa. These meetings, part of the broader BRICS financial discussions, are significant for maintaining and strengthening economic ties among member countries: Brazil, Russia, India, China, South Africa, and newly admitted members including Saudi Arabia and Egypt.
Rousseff's appointment to lead the NDB was celebrated not only as a personal achievement but also as part of Brazil's efforts to bolster its leadership role within international finance. "Being President of the NDB is an opportunity to do more for the BRICS countries, as well as for developing countries," Rousseff stated upon her inauguration.
This is not the first time Rousseff has faced serious health issues. Previously, she was diagnosed with cancer in the lymphatic system back in 2009 and underwent extensive chemotherapy. More recently, she experienced another medical emergency back in May 2021 when she had to be hospitalized after feeling unwell. During this past incident, it was suspected she might have suffered strokes, but she was stabilized and released the following day. Later, she underwent catheterization for issues related to her heart.
Her repeated hospitalizations have raised concerns about her health, with responses from officials emphasizing her recuperation. The chief of staff for Rousseff, Marco Túlio Mendonça, highlighted her stable condition and the hope for her quick return to full strength.
The cancellation of her attendance at the Cape Town meetings marks another setback. The significance of these meetings cannot be understated, as they draw attention from leading economies intent on addressing the challenges faced by BRICS nations, and Rousseff's presence was viewed as dually beneficial—both for her leadership role and her political influence.
BRICS has evolved since its inception, having broadened its membership recently to encompass additional member states, aiming to widen its impact on global economic strategies and financial sources, all of which Rousseff has played a role in shaping. Her leadership, acknowledged also by the governments of Russia and China, signifies Brazil's strong position as the head of this international body.
Rousseff's resilience reflects her larger narrative as the first woman to assume the Brazilian presidency, facing not just health challenges but political adversity as well. Her past includes overcoming imprisonment during the military dictatorship, where she was persecuted for her political activism.
With Rousseff's health now stable, the focus shifts to her potential return to the NDB and how her leadership will navigate forthcoming challenges. Experts and officials are optimistic about her tenure, with Brazil negotiating terms for her to continue leading the bank beyond her initial term set to end in July 2025.
The backdrop of Rousseff's health situation reminds the public of the interplay between personal well-being and professional responsibility, especially within high-stakes international politics. The hope remains strong for her swift recovery and re-engagement with her duties, as her leadership embodies both the promises and pressures of contemporary governance.
For now, the international community watches and waits as Rousseff recuperates, wishing for her prompt return to form.