Portuguese President Marcelo Rebelo de Sousa will undergo urgent surgery for an incarcerated hernia after being hospitalized on Monday following an unexpected health incident.
The 76-year-old head of state was admitted to São João Hospital in Porto. Maria João Baptista, president of the hospital’s board, stated that President Rebelo de Sousa “is very well in terms of spirits.” She added the emergency surgery carries a “low surgical and anesthetic risk.”
He is expected to remain in the hospital for several days following the procedure.
The President’s office reported he was admitted late Monday afternoon after experiencing discomfort believed to be indigestion. This occurred as he was returning from Amarante, where he had attended the funeral of engineer António Mota.
Presidential doctors advised him to undergo medical examinations before traveling back to Lisbon. These tests led to the diagnosis requiring immediate surgery.
Earlier on Monday, President Rebelo de Sousa presided over ceremonies in a central square in Lisbon. These events commemorated the Heroes of the Restoration and the War of Acclamation, marking Portugal’s independence in 1640.
Pedro Proença, President of the Portuguese Football Federation (FPF), sent a message of support to the President. Proença highlighted Rebelo de Sousa as “the number one fan of the national team and a supporter of all Portuguese football.” He added, “We need his irreplaceable energy!”