Lula Proposes Judiciary Reform Amid STF Crisis and Potential Supreme Court Nomination

President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva has called for a deep discussion on reforming the Brazilian Judiciary Power in the coming year to strengthen public trust in institutions. Speaking at the Palácio do Planalto, Lula stated that the measure is necessary to ensure the population continues to believe in the justice system and to prevent the country from becoming a hostage to selective leaks of information for political or economic interests. He emphasized that no authority should use their public office for personal advantage and called for the Supreme Federal Court (STF) and the Prosecutor General's Office (PGR) to provide tranquility to society.

These calls for reform occur alongside a crisis involving the STF and the Banco Master case. Reports indicate that Lula is considering nominating Ricardo Couto, the interim governor of Rio de Janeiro and a desembargador, to the STF. This potential appointment would replace Minister Jorge Messias, a loyal ally of the president. Supporters of the move argue that nominating Couto would be a gesture of institutional respect and a step toward pacifying the Judiciary. Lula has publicly praised Couto for his work as an intervenor in Rio de Janeiro, specifically noting his efforts to clean up the state administration.

Concurrent with these deliberations, some government allies are advocating for the dismissal of Federal Police Director General Andrei Rodrigues. Critics within the government argue that Rodrigues has lost the ability to lead the corporation due to contamination by Bolsonarismo and an alignment with STF Ministers Alexandre de Moraes and Gilmar Mendes. This tension is highlighted by a conflict between the Federal Police and the Attorney General's Office (AGU), led by Jorge Messias, regarding the conduct of investigations into Banco Master and the level of control exercised by Minister Dias Toffoli over certain inquiries.