Brazilian Government Mediates Conflict Between STF Justice and Federal Police

Justice Minister Wellington Lima e Silva and Supreme Court (STF) Justice André Mendonça met on Thursday to resolve a growing institutional conflict between the magistrate and the leadership of the Federal Police (PF). The meeting, organized by Attorney General Jorge Messias and supported by President Lula, aimed to prevent a legal clash regarding the independence of police investigations and the level of judicial control over them. During the meeting, Mendonça requested that the independence of the PF be preserved, a request the Justice Minister stated was already guaranteed.

The tension centers on investigations into the Banco Master and fraud involving INSS discounts, which include inquiries involving Fábio Luís Lula da Silva, the son of President Lula. Mendonça has imposed restrictions on who within the PF can access sensitive data and required that changes to investigative teams be reported to him. In response, the PF sought the assistance of the Attorney General's Office (AGU) to contest these orders, arguing they interfere with institutional autonomy. While the PF hoped the AGU would legally challenge Mendonça, government sources indicate the AGU will likely refrain from doing so in favor of dialogue.

Simultaneously, the 27 regional superintendents of the Federal Police issued a public note expressing confidence in Director General Andrei Rodrigues. The note emphasized that the PF is a state institution committed to legality and impartiality, stating that its work does not submit to political or personal interests. This statement was viewed differently across the political spectrum. Center-right framing suggests the PF may have attempted to bypass Mendonça by filing new requests for investigation with the STF presidency to trigger a new rapporteur lottery, potentially moving cases away from Mendonça. Conversely, the PF leadership maintains that its actions are technical and necessary for the proper execution of its mission.