Marcelo Rebelo de Sousa hospitalized after fainting in Algarve

Former Portuguese President Marcelo Rebelo de Sousa was hospitalized in Faro on Wednesday after falling ill while dining at a restaurant in Monte Gordo, Algarve. Reports indicate he lost consciousness for several seconds during the incident.

After receiving assistance from INEM, he was transported to the hospital for precautionary exams. He was discharged later that evening, reporting that he felt well and attributed the episode to intense physical activity and heat during a beach day, noting he would focus more on hydration in the future. Prime Minister Luís Montenegro spoke with him by phone and confirmed the former president was in good spirits and recovered.

The incident has also sparked criticism from the Union of Pre-Hospital Emergency Technicians (STEPH). The union pointed to the ambulance used for the transport as an example of the reduction of resources within INEM, noting that such vehicles are slated to be converted into light assistance vehicles that lack the capacity to transport patients.