Lula Returns to Work as Congress Weighs Spending Cut Plans

  • Brazil leader had emergency brain operation last week
  • Government pushing for fiscal plan’s approval before holidays
Luiz Inacio Lula da SilvaPhotographer: Andressa Anholete/Bloomberg

Brazil President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva returned to work Monday after nearly a week in the hospital, as his government rushes to win congressional approval for a package of spending cuts before the end of the year.

The leftist leader, who had emergency brain surgery and a follow-up procedure last week, met with Finance Minister Fernando Haddad about the plans in Sao Paulo, where he is set to keep a light schedule and work from home until Thursday after a new CT scan.