Gilmar Mendes Dismisses STF Impeachment Threats as Electoral Strategy

Supreme Federal Court (STF) Justice Gilmar Mendes stated on Wednesday that calls for the impeachment of court ministers are merely an electoral banner and do not cause him concern. Speaking to journalists in Brasília, the court's most senior justice described the push for impeachment as a comprehensible mistake with electoral appeal, but argued that the institutional apparatus would make such actions difficult to execute. When asked if the promises of campaign candidates worried him, Mendes replied that he was not impressed, stating that he is like a nurse who has already seen blood.

The push for impeachment has become a central pillar for the right wing, specifically supported by presidential candidate Flávio Bolsonaro. The strategy involves securing a majority in the Senate to advance dozens of pending impeachment requests. Flávio Bolsonaro has supported a list of 47 Senate candidates, 83 percent of whom have publicly advocated for the removal of court members, particularly Justice Alexandre de Moraes. To convict a minister, a majority of 54 votes out of 81 senators is required.

During the same conversation, Mendes defended Justice Moraes regarding recent search and seizure warrants against informants of journalist Luís Pablo. Mendes argued that professional prerogatives are not absolute when there are strong indications of criminal activity. Additionally, Mendes expressed confidence in Brazil's electronic voting system and solid democracy, stating he does not expect an offensive from the United States against the Brazilian electoral process following the rejection of observers sent by the Donald Trump government.